01
die Waage
scale
A device for measuring the weight of people or objects.
example
Um mein Gewicht zu kontrollieren, stelle ich mich jeden Morgen auf die Waage.
To check my weight, I step on the scale every morning.
die Waage
scale / Libra
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Die Waage' (the scale) belongs to the word family of the verb 'wiegen' (to weigh). A scale is the instrument you use to weigh something in order to determine its weight.
EXAMPLE
Der Bäcker wiegt den Teig auf einer alten Waage.
The baker weighs the dough on an old scale.
Typical verbs
When referring to the measuring device, 'Waage' (scale) is often combined with certain verbs. People 'stellen sich auf die Waage' (step on the scale), while objects are 'auf die Waage legt' (placed on the scale).
EXAMPLE
Er stellt sich jeden Morgen auf die Waage.
He steps on the scale every morning.
Fixed expression
The expression 'sich die Waage halten' (to balance each other out) is a fixed unit. It describes two or more things being in balance. The subject is often plural.
EXAMPLE
In diesem Spiel halten sich Glück und Können die Waage.
In this game, luck and skill balance each other out.
Use as a zodiac sign
When 'Waage' (Libra) is used as a zodiac sign, the article is omitted. The typical sentence structure is: [person] ist Waage.
EXAMPLE
Mein Bruder ist Waage, genau wie ich.
My brother is a Libra, just like me.
Fixed expression
The expression 'etwas auf die Goldwaage legen' means to take words with exaggerated precision. It is very often used in the negative to reassure someone.
EXAMPLE
Leg doch nicht jedes Wort von ihm auf die Goldwaage!
Don't weigh every word he says so carefully!
Compare with
Waage vs Gewicht
weight
'das Gewicht' and 'die Waage' belong to the same situation, but they are not the same thing. 'Gewicht' is the indication of how heavy a person or object is. 'Waage' is the device used to measure this weight. Learners may confuse the words because they are often used together, for example in the bathroom, in the kitchen, or at the doctor's office. You say: 'Ich stelle mich auf die Waage' (I step on the scale), and afterward you know 'mein Gewicht' (my weight). So: the scale measures, and the weight is the result.
Waage
Vor dem Backen stellt Lisa die Schüssel auf die Waage.
Before baking, Lisa puts the bowl on the scale.
Gewicht
Das Gewicht des Pakets steht auf dem Etikett.
The weight of the package is on the label.
In real life
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