pitch-dark
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pitch-dark
A very rare, colloquial, and mostly outdated short form of 'zapfenduster' (pitch-dark), meaning completely dark or gloomy. The expression derives from the military 'Zapfenstreich' (tattoo), the signal to turn off the lights.
Ohne die Taschenlampe wäre es hier im Keller zapfen.
Without the flashlight, it would be pitch-dark down here in the basement.
This adjective is very rare today and is considered outdated. In modern language, the full form 'zapfenduster' (pitch-dark) or simply 'stockdunkel' (pitch-black) is used instead.
Früher sagte man: „Mach das Licht an, es ist ganz zapfen hier drin.“
People used to say: 'Turn on the light, it's completely pitch-dark in here.'
'Zapfen' is a shortened form of 'zapfenduster' (pitch-dark). This expression comes from the military 'Zapfenstreich' (tattoo), the evening signal after which no lights were allowed to remain on in the barracks.
Nach dem Zapfenstreich musste in der Kaserne absolute Ruhe herrschen.
After the tattoo, absolute quiet had to prevail in the barracks.
The adjective 'zapfen' (pitch-dark) is easily confused with the noun 'der Zapfen' (cone, e.g., pine cone) or the verb 'zapfen' (to tap, e.g., to tap beer). The adjective is extremely rare, while the other parts of speech are very common.
Der Wirt muss ein neues Fass Bier zapfen.
The innkeeper has to tap a new barrel of beer.
bolt
A Bolzen is usually a separate, short metal pin used to connect parts. In this comparison, a Zapfen is usually a projecting part of a larger workpiece. For a separately inserted connecting part, Bolzen is therefore the better choice.
Der Zapfen ragt aus dem Werkstück und dient dort als Lagerstelle.
The pin projects from the workpiece and serves as a bearing surface.
Der Mechaniker setzt einen Bolzen ein, um die beiden Teile zu verbinden.
The mechanic inserts a bolt to connect the two parts.
