der  Maulkorb

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈmaʊlˌkɔʁp/

What does 'der Maulkorb' mean? 🤔

Der Maulkorb is a German noun with two main meanings:

1. Literal meaning: A device, usually made of leather, metal, or plastic, placed over the snout of a dog or other animal to prevent biting. 🐕 It usually still allows the animal to pant and drink.

   Example: In öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln müssen große Hunde oft einen Maulkorb tragen. (On public transport, large dogs often have to wear a muzzle.)

2. Figurative meaning: A measure or instruction that prevents someone from speaking freely or expressing their opinion (jemandem einen Maulkorb verpassen - to muzzle someone). 🗣️🚫 This often refers to censorship or restriction of freedom of speech or the press.

   Example: Die Opposition warf der Regierung vor, der Presse einen Maulkorb verpassen zu wollen. (The opposition accused the government of wanting to muzzle the press.)

The word always takes the article der, regardless of the meaning.

German Grammar: 'Der Maulkorb' in Detail 🤓

The word "Maulkorb" is a masculine noun. Its declension is as follows:

Example Sentences for Grammar

• Nominative: Der Maulkorb liegt auf dem Tisch.
  (The muzzle is lying on the table.)
• Genitive: Die Größe des Maulkorbes ist wichtig.
  (The size of the muzzle is important.)
• Dative: Der Hund gewöhnt sich langsam an den Maulkorb. (Accusative here due to 'an'; Dative example: Mit dem Maulkorb kann er nicht bellen. - With the muzzle, he cannot bark.)
  (The dog is slowly getting used to the muzzle.)
• Accusative: Sie kaufte einen Maulkorb für ihren Dobermann.
  (She bought a muzzle for her Doberman.)
• Plural: In diesem Geschäft gibt es Maulkörbe in allen Größen.
  (In this shop, there are muzzles in all sizes.)

Usage Notes: When to use 'der Maulkorb' 🗣️

The use of the word "Maulkorb" depends heavily on the context:

• Literal: Used when referring to the actual object placed on animals. This is often for safety reasons (protection from bites) or due to legal requirements (e.g., Maulkorbpflicht - mandatory muzzling for certain dog breeds or in specific situations like public transport).
• Figurative: Mostly used in political, social, or media discussions. The idiom "jemandem einen Maulkorb verpassen" (to put a muzzle on someone) or "einen Maulkorb erhalten" (to receive a muzzle) means that someone is silenced or not allowed to express themselves freely. It carries a strong negative connotation, implying suppression or censorship.

⚠️ Caution: The figurative meaning is often highly critical and should be used carefully, as it constitutes a strong accusation.

Comparison: While the literal "Maulkorb" is a neutral term for an object, "Beißschutz" (bite protection) is an alternative name emphasizing its purpose. In the figurative sense, "Zensur" (censorship) is a related but more formal term.

Memory Aids: Remembering 'der Maulkorb' 🧠

For the article 'der': Think of DER big, strong dog that needs DER Maulkorb. Or remember that Korb (basket) is masculine: DER Korb fürs Maul (the basket for the snout).

For the meaning: Imagine a basket (Korb) covering an animal's snout (Maul) - that's the literal meaning. Figuratively, picture someone having a symbolic basket put over their mouth to silence them.

Word Connections: Synonyms & Antonyms ↔️

Similar but misleading words: "Mundschutz" (face mask, medical or hygienic) is not the same as a Maulkorb.

A Little Joke 😄

Ein Politiker fragt den anderen: "Hast du die neue Verordnung zur Maulkorbpflicht für Journalisten gelesen?"
Sagt der andere: "Nein, ich darf ja nichts dazu sagen!"

Translation:
One politician asks another: "Have you read the new regulation about mandatory muzzles for journalists?"
The other replies: "No, I'm not allowed to say anything about it!"

A Short Poem 🖋️

Der Korb am Maul, aus Draht, aus Leder fein,
Hält Zähne scharf im Zaume, soll so sein.
Doch auch das Wort, gefangen, still und stumm,
Trägt unsichtbar 'nen Maulkorb oft herum.
Der eine schützt vor Biss, ganz offenbar,
Der andre nimmt die freie Rede dar.

Translation:
The basket on the snout, of wire, of leather fine,
Keeps sharp teeth in check, as by design.
But also the word, captured, silent, numb,
Often wears an invisible muzzle, glum.
The one protects from bites, quite plain to see,
The other takes away speech, wild and free.

Who or What Am I? A Riddle 🧐

Ich sitze fest auf mancher Schnauze,
damit der Hund hält eine Pause
vom Beißen – das ist mein Sinn.
Doch auch wer schweigen muss, trägt mich – wer bin ich?

Translation:
I sit firmly on many a snout,
so the dog takes a break, no doubt,
from biting – that is my aim.
But also those forced to be silent wear me – what's my name?

Solution: Der Maulkorb (The muzzle)

Additional Info & Word Origin 🧩

Word Composition:

The word "Maulkorb" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Maul: Refers to the mouth or snout of animals. In German, "Maul" is used for animals, while for humans it is often considered vulgar or derogatory (except in idioms like "Halt's Maul!" - Shut up!).
• Korb: Means "basket", here in its function as an enclosing device.

Legal Aspects:

Many countries and regions have specific laws regarding Maulkorbpflicht (mandatory muzzling) for certain dog breeds ("Listenhunde" - listed dogs) or in specific public areas.