das  Feuerzeug

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈfɔʏ̯ɐˌt͡sɔʏ̯k/

🔥 What is a Feuerzeug?

The German word das Feuerzeug (neuter gender, article 'das') refers to a 'lighter', a portable device used to create a flame. It's typically used to light cigarettes, candles, gas stoves, or campfires.

There is only one article for this word: das Feuerzeug.

📊 Grammar in Detail: Das Feuerzeug

The word 'Feuerzeug' is a neuter noun. It follows regular German declension patterns.

💡 Example Sentences

1. Hast du ein Feuerzeug für mich? (Do you have a lighter for me?)
2. Mein Feuerzeug ist leer, ich brauche Gas. (My lighter is empty, I need gas.)
3. Die Flamme des Feuerzeugs züngelte im Wind. (The flame of the lighter flickered in the wind.)
4. Er zündete die Kerze mit dem Feuerzeug an. (He lit the candle with the lighter.)
5. Sie sammelt alte Feuerzeuge. (She collects old lighters.)

🤔 How to Use "das Feuerzeug"?

The word 'Feuerzeug' is a common, everyday term used literally to refer to the device for making fire.

• Context: Used in conversations about smoking, barbecuing, camping, or lighting candles.
• Alternatives: Sometimes colloquial terms like 'Anzünder' (igniter) or specific brand names (like Zippo®) are used, but 'Feuerzeug' is the standard term.
• Common Combinations: 'ein Feuerzeug haben' (to have a lighter), 'ein Feuerzeug benutzen' (to use a lighter), 'das Feuerzeug auffüllen' (to refill the lighter), 'Gasfeuerzeug' (gas lighter), 'Benzinfeuerzeug' (petrol/gasoline lighter).

🧠 Mnemonics for Feuerzeug

Article Mnemonic: Think of "das Werkzeug" (the tool). Many tools in German are neuter ('das Messer' - the knife, 'das Beil' - the hatchet). 'Feuerzeug' also ends in "-zeug", which often indicates neuter nouns.

Meaning Mnemonic: The word is composed of 'Feuer' (fire) + 'Zeug' (stuff, thing, gear). So, it's 'stuff' or a 'thing' that makes 'fire'. Quite logical!

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Careful, Don't Confuse:

• Streichholz/Zündholz: Means 'matchstick', another way to make fire.
• Fahrzeug: Although it ends in '-zeug', this means 'vehicle' (car, bike, etc.).

😄 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der eine Raucher den anderen: "Hast du mal Feuer?" Sagt der andere: "Klar, hier hast du mein Feuerzeug." Erwidert der erste: "Nein danke, ich wollte eigentlich nur wissen, ob du welches hast."

English Translation: One smoker asks another: "Got a light?" (Literally: "Do you have fire?") The other says: "Sure, here's my lighter." The first replies: "No thanks, I just wanted to know if you had one."

📜 Poem About the Lighter

German:
Kleines Ding in meiner Hand,
Bringt die Flamme schnell zustand'.
Ob Kerzenlicht, ob Grill so heiß,
Das Feuerzeug leistet seinen Preis.
Ein Klick, ein Zischen, hell und klar,
So nützlich, ist doch wunderbar.

English Translation:
Little thing within my hand,
Brings the flame quickly to stand.
Be it candlelight, or grill so hot,
The lighter performs its given lot.
A click, a hiss, so bright and clear,
So useful, it's wonderful, my dear.

❓ Who Am I? A Riddle

German:
Ich trage Feuer, doch verbrenn' nicht leicht.
Ein kleiner Funke mir oft reicht.
Mit Gas gefüllt, mal mit Benzin,
Bin ich beim Rauchen oft zu seh'n.

Was bin ich?
... Das Feuerzeug

English Translation:
I carry fire, but don't burn with ease.
A tiny spark is often all I please.
Filled up with gas, sometimes with petrol bright,
I'm often seen when smokers light.

What am I?
... The lighter (Das Feuerzeug)

🧩 Other Info About Feuerzeug

Word Composition:

• The word 'Feuerzeug' is a compound noun, made up of:
• Feuer: Meaning 'fire'.
• Zeug: A general term for 'stuff', 'thing', 'gear', or 'material' (like in Werkzeug - 'tool', Spielzeug - 'toy').

Types of Lighters (Arten von Feuerzeugen):

• Gasfeuerzeuge: Usually use butane gas.
• Benzinfeuerzeuge: Petrol/gasoline lighters, famously represented by brands like Zippo®, requiring special lighter fluid.
• Sturmfeuerzeuge: Windproof lighters producing a jet flame.
• Elektrische Feuerzeuge: Electric lighters creating an arc instead of a flame.