das  Kabel

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkaːbl̩/

🔌 What exactly is a 'Kabel'?

Das Kabel (noun, neuter) refers to a sheathed, flexible line, typically consisting of several insulated wires or fibers. It is mainly used for transmitting electrical energy or signals (data, sound, image).

There are many different types of cables for various purposes, e.g., Stromkabel (power cables), Ladekabel (charging cables), Netzwerkkabel (network cables), Antennenkabel (antenna cables), etc.

⚠️ There are no other articles for 'Kabel' with different meanings. It is always das Kabel.

🧐 Grammar of 'das Kabel' in Detail

'Kabel' is a noun of neuter gender (Neutrum). It is declined as follows:

Example Sentences:

1. Das Kabel für den Fernseher ist zu kurz. (The cable for the TV is too short.)
2. Kannst du mir bitte das Ladekabel geben? (Can you please give me the charging cable?)
3. Der Techniker verlegt neue Kabel im Haus. (The technician is laying new cables in the house.)
4. Achte darauf, nicht über die Kabel zu stolpern. (Be careful not to trip over the cables.)
5. Die Qualität des Kabels beeinflusst die Übertragungsgeschwindigkeit. (The quality of the cable affects the transmission speed.)

💡 When and how to use 'das Kabel'?

The term 'Kabel' is very commonly used in technical and everyday contexts:

• Electricity: Stromkabel (power cables) to supply devices.
• Data Transmission: Netzwerkkabel (network cables, e.g., LAN cables), USB cables, HDMI cables.
• Telecommunication: Telefonkabel (telephone cables), Glasfaserkabel (fiber optic cables).
• Audio/Video: Lautsprecherkabel (speaker cables), Antennenkabel (antenna cables).

Figuratively, 'Kabel' is used less often. People tend to say 'Leitung' (line) or 'Verbindung' (connection) when not referring to a physical cable (e.g., "eine lange Leitung haben" - to be slow on the uptake).

Distinction from similar terms:

• Draht (wire): Often a single, usually metallic conductor, which can be part of a cable or used alone (e.g., Blumendraht - florist wire). A Kabel is usually thicker and sheathed.
• Schnur (cord, string): Primarily used for tying or holding, not mainly for transmitting energy or signals (e.g., Paketschnur - parcel string, Wäscheleine - clothesline).
• Leitung (line, pipe, conduit): A more general term that can also include pipes (Wasserleitung - water pipe) or abstract connections, but is also used synonymously with Kabel (Stromleitung - power line).

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Kabel'

1. Article 'das':

   Imagine a generic, technical item. Many technical or neutral objects in German are neuter ('das'). Think of 'das Ding' (the thing) – 'das Kabel' is like a technical 'thing'. Or think: 'das' sounds a bit like 'thus' - *thus*, we connect things with **das Kabel**.

2. Meaning 'cable':

   'Kabel' sounds very similar to the English word 'cable'. Just remember the German spelling and the 'das' article. Imagine a **cab**le car needs a strong **Kabel** to run.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms of Kabel

Similar but different words:

• Seil (rope): Thicker and stronger, usually for carrying, pulling, or securing (Drahtseil - wire rope, Kletterseil - climbing rope).
• Strang (strand): Can be a bundle of cables, but also refers to other things (Haarstrang - strand of hair, Muskelstrang - muscle strand).

😄 A little Joke about Cables

German: Fragt der Elektrikerlehrling seinen Meister: "Meister, ist das Kabel gefährlich?" Meister: "Nein, nur wenn Strom drauf ist." Lehrling: "Ach so, dann kann ich es ja anfassen?" Meister: "Ja klar, aber nur einmal..." 😉

English Translation: The electrician apprentice asks his master: "Master, is this cable dangerous?" Master: "No, only when there's electricity on it." Apprentice: "Oh, so I can touch it then?" Master: "Sure, but only once..." 😉

📜 Poem about the Cable

German:
Ein Kabel, lang und oft versteckt,
hat manche Tücke schon entdeckt.
Es leitet Strom, Signal und Ton,
vom Keller bis zum höchsten Thron.
Mal schwarz, mal weiß, mal bunt, mal grau,
verbunden wird ganz schnell und schlau.
Doch wehe, wenn ein Bruch entsteht,
die Leitung dann im Leeren weht!

English Translation:
A cable, long and often hidden,
has uncovered many a trick.
It conducts power, signal, and sound,
from the cellar to the highest throne around.
Sometimes black, white, colored, or gray,
connecting things smartly, right away.
But woe betide when a break occurs,
the line then hangs empty, nothing stirs!

❓ Riddle: What am I?

German:
Ich habe Adern, aber kein Blut.
Ich bringe Licht, doch habe keine Glut.
Ich verbinde Welten, nah und fern,
und diene vielen Geräten gern.
Mal lieg' ich offen, mal versteckt,
womit wird Technik oft geweckt?

English Translation:
I have veins (wires), but no blood.
I bring light, yet have no embers' bud.
I connect worlds, near and far,
and gladly serve many a device's star.
Sometimes I lie open, sometimes concealed,
what often wakes technology from its field?

Solution: Das Kabel (The cable)

🤓 Trivia & Word Details about 'Kabel'

Word Origin (Etymology):

The word 'Kabel' comes from the Middle Low German and Middle Dutch word 'kabel', which originally meant a strong rope or ship's hawser. It is related to the Latin 'capulum' (catching-rope).

Compound Words (Komposita):

'Kabel' is part of many compound words:

• Ladekabel: Charging cable.
• Stromkabel: Power cable.
• Netzwerkkabel: Network cable (e.g., LAN cable).
• Kabelfernsehen: Cable television.
• Kabelbaum: Wiring harness (a bundle of cables, often in cars or machinery).
• Kabeltrommel: Cable drum/reel.
• Kabelsalat (ugs.): Cable clutter / 'cable salad' (a mess of cables).