utensil
das Utensil, die Utensilien
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utensil
An object, tool, or aid that is needed for a particular purpose or specific activity. It is very often used in the plural.
Ein Pinsel ist ein unverzichtbares Utensil für einen Maler.
A brush is an essential utensil for a painter.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Utensilien |
| genitive | des Utensils |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Utensil | die Utensilien |
| accusative | das Utensil | die Utensilien |
| dative | dem Utensil | den Utensilien |
| genitive | des Utensils | der Utensilien |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Although the singular 'das Utensil' (the utensil) exists, the word is almost always used in the plural, 'die Utensilien' (utensils). It then refers to a collection of tools for a specific task.
Bitte räum nach dem Kochen alle Küchenutensilien wieder auf.
Please put away all the kitchen utensils again after cooking.
'Utensilien' (utensils) often appears in compound words that describe the purpose of the objects more precisely. Typical examples are 'Schreibutensilien' (writing utensils), 'Küchenutensilien' (kitchen utensils), or 'Malerutensilien' (painting supplies).
Für den Malkurs müssen wir unsere eigenen Malerutensilien mitbringen.
For the painting course, we have to bring our own painting supplies.
'Utensil' is a specific and slightly formal word. It emphasizes the function of the objects for a particular purpose.
Der Chirurg bereitete seine sterilen Utensilien für die Operation vor.
The surgeon prepared his sterile utensils for the operation.
device / apparatus
Gerät refers to a technical or mechanically operated object. Utensil is a more general aid for a particular activity and is especially often used for smaller objects in the kitchen or household. Gerät is therefore appropriate for an electric mixer, while Utensil is appropriate for a whisk.
Zum Verrühren des Teigs benutzt sie als einfaches Utensil einen Schneebesen.
She uses a whisk as a simple utensil to mix the batter.
Zum Verrühren des Teigs benutzt sie ein elektrisches Gerät.
She uses an electric device to mix the batter.
