das  Gewinde

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈvɪndə/

⚙️ What exactly is a 'Gewinde'?

The German word das Gewinde means thread, specifically referring to the helical ridge or groove formed on the inner or outer surface of a cylindrical or conical body (like a screw, nut, or pipe). Its main purpose is to fasten two parts together or to convert motion (e.g., rotational to linear motion).

Key distinctions include:

• Außengewinde: External thread (found on the outside, e.g., on a screw).
• Innengewinde: Internal thread (found on the inside, e.g., in a nut or a tapped hole).

The word always uses the article das, which makes it easier to remember its gender (neuter).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🌀 Grammar Spotlight: Das Gewinde

The noun Gewinde is neuter and takes the article das.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

Example Sentences

1. Die Schraube hat ein beschädigtes Gewinde. (The screw has a damaged thread.)
2. Man muss das richtige Gewinde für die Mutter finden. (One must find the correct thread for the nut.)
3. Der Handwerker schnitt ein neues Gewinde in das Rohrstück. (The craftsman cut a new thread into the piece of pipe.)
4. Beim Anziehen der Schraube wurde das Gewinde überdreht. (The thread was stripped while tightening the screw.)

🔧 Using 'das Gewinde' Correctly

Das Gewinde is a specific technical term used in engineering and crafts. It's used when talking about screws (Schrauben), nuts (Muttern), pipes (Rohre), or other mechanical parts that are joined using a helical structure.

• Typical Contexts: Mechanical engineering (Maschinenbau), metalworking (Metallverarbeitung), plumbing (Sanitärinstallation), DIY (Heimwerken), physics (Physik) (motion conversion).
• Common Collocations: Gewinde schneiden (to cut/tap a thread), Gewinde bohren (to drill a thread - usually means tapping), metrisches Gewinde (metric thread), Zollgewinde (inch thread), Feingewinde (fine thread), Grobgewinde (coarse thread), Linksgewinde (left-hand thread), Rechtsgewinde (right-hand thread), Innengewinde (internal thread), Außengewinde (external thread).
• Distinction: Don't confuse it with 'Windung' (a single turn of a spiral or coil) or 'Spirale' (the general spiral shape). 'Das Gewinde' specifically refers to the functional structure for fastening or movement.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Gewinde'

For the article 'das': Think of 'the gear' winding around. Gear isn't neuter, but imagine 'the winding thing' - 'thing' can often relate to 'das'. So, das Ge-winde.

For the meaning: 'Gewinde' sounds a bit like 'it winds'. Imagine a screw winding its way into wood. That structure allowing it to wind is das Gewinde (the thread).

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Watch out for these:

• Windung: A single turn or loop, not necessarily a technical thread.
• Spule: Coil (usually wound wire, often for electrical purposes).

😄 A Little Joke

Warum war das Gewinde traurig?
(Why was the thread sad?)

Es fühlte sich ständig herumgedreht!
(It constantly felt screwed/twisted around!)

📜 A Poem about 'das Gewinde'

Ein kleiner Grat, der sich dreht und windet,
(A little ridge that turns and winds,)
Auf Schraube oder Rohr man ihn findet.
(On screw or pipe, one finds it.)
Das Gewinde, stark und fein,
(The thread, strong and fine,)
Verbindet fest, lässt nicht allein.
(Connects firmly, doesn't leave alone.)
Ob innen oder außen, es hält die Last,
(Whether inside or out, it holds the load,)
Ein Wunderwerk, das niemals rast.
(A marvel that never rests.)

🤔 Who am I? A Riddle

Ich habe Gänge, doch gehe nicht.
(I have paths/threads/gears, but do not walk.)
Ich halte fest, doch bin kein Gericht.
(I hold tight, but am not a court.)
Auf Schrauben sitz' ich, mal grob, mal fein.
(I sit on screws, sometimes coarse, sometimes fine.)
Was mag ich wohl sein?
(What might I be?)

Solution: Das Gewinde (The thread)

💡 Additional Information

Word Composition: The word 'Gewinde' comes from the verb 'winden' (to wind, twist, coil), indicating its twisted, winding shape. The prefix 'Ge-' often indicates a result or collection (like in Gebirge - mountains, Gebäude - building).

Technical Standards: Numerous standards (e.g., ISO, DIN) define threads, such as the metric ISO thread (e.g., M8) or the Whitworth thread (often used for pipes). Important parameters include pitch (Steigung), diameter (Durchmesser), and flank angle (Flankenwinkel).

Types of Threads (Arten von Gewinden):

• Metrisches Gewinde: Metric thread (most common worldwide, e.g., M6, M8, M10).
• Zollgewinde: Inch thread (e.g., UNC, UNF, Whitworth - common in Anglo-American regions or for piping).
• Trapezgewinde: Trapezoidal thread (for power transmission, e.g., in machine tool lead screws).
• Sägegewinde: Buttress thread (for high axial forces in one direction).