der  Strick

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʃtʁɪk/

📖 What does "der Strick" mean?

The German word der Strick is a masculine noun generally referring to a long, flexible object made from twisted or braided fibers (e.g., Hanf - hemp, Baumwolle - cotton, Kunststoff - plastic). It's mostly used for tying, fastening, pulling, or hanging things.

• Main meaning: A rope or cord, often of medium thickness. Example: Er band das Paket mit einem Strick zu. (He tied the package with a cord.)
• Figurative meaning: Often used in idioms, e.g., "am selben Strick ziehen" (to pull together, act in unison) or "wenn alle Stricke reißen" (if worst comes to worst, as a last resort).
• Negative connotation: Can also be associated with hanging (e.g., "Galgenstrick" - hangman's rope), so context is important ⚠️.

🧐 Grammar of "der Strick"

The word "Strick" is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

1. Der alte Strick hielt das Gewicht nicht mehr.
   (The old rope couldn't hold the weight anymore.)
2. Gib mir bitte einen Strick, um die Kisten zu sichern.
   (Please give me a cord to secure the boxes.)
3. Wir müssen alle am selben Strick ziehen, um das Projekt zu schaffen.
   (We all have to pull together to manage the project.)
4. Wenn alle Stricke reißen, müssen wir Plan B umsetzen.
   (If worst comes to worst, we have to implement Plan B.)

💡 Everyday Usage

"Der Strick" is used in various contexts:

• Crafts & Household: For tying, securing, hanging (Wäscheleine - clothesline), crafting.
• Agriculture: For tying up animals (less common today).
• Idioms: Very common in fixed expressions (see definition).

Distinction from similar words:

• Seil: Often thicker and stronger than a Strick, e.g., Kletterseil (climbing rope), Abschleppseil (tow rope).
• Kordel: Usually thinner than a Strick, often for packaging or crafts.
• Leine: Can be synonymous with Strick (Wäscheleine), but also more specific (Hundeleine - dog leash, Angelleine - fishing line).

The distinctions can be blurry, but Strick often refers to a sturdy but not extremely thick rope for everyday purposes.

🧠 Mnemonics

For the article: Think of DER strong Strick that holds everything. (Focus on the 'R' sound).

For the meaning: A Strick won't 'strike' you, but it binds tight – like you need thread (similar to a thin Strick) for knitting (stricken sounds similar).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Sounding Words (Caution):

• Strich: Means 'line' or 'stroke' (e.g., drawn with a pen). Sounds similar but has a completely different meaning.
• Stricken: The verb for the handcraft 'to knit'.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Seemann den Strick zum Therapeuten gebracht?
Weil er zu viele Knoten in seinem Leben hatte!

(Why did the sailor take the rope to the therapist?
Because it had too many knots [problems] in its life!)

📜 Poem about the Strick

Ein Strick, gedreht aus Fasern fein,
hält fest, was soll gebunden sein.
Mal kurz, mal lang, mal dick, mal dünn,
hat oft im Leben einen Sinn.
Zum Ziehen, Halten, Schaukel schwingen,
kann er uns Lasten näherbringen.
Doch reißt er mal, ist's schnell vorbei,
drum prüfe ihn stets auf die Treu'.

(A rope, twisted from fibers fine,
holds tight what should be bound in line.
Sometimes short, sometimes long, thick or thin,
often has purpose life within.
For pulling, holding, swinging high,
it can bring burdens closer by.
But if it breaks, it's quickly done,
so always test its trust, everyone.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich habe keinen Mund, doch binde ich fest.
Ich habe keine Hände, doch halte ich ein Nest (oder eine Schaukel im Test).
Man zieht an mir, wenn man zusammenhält,
doch reiße ich, wenn nichts mehr gefällt.

Was bin ich?
(I have no mouth, yet I bind tight.
I have no hands, yet I hold a nest (or a swing in test).
People pull on me when they act as one,
but I tear when all appeal is gone.

What am I?)

Solution: Der Strick (The rope/cord)

🌐 Other Interesting Facts

Etymology: The word "Strick" comes from the Old High German "stric", which originally meant "noose" or "snare". It is related to the verb "stricken" in the sense of "to tighten" or "to join together".

Compound words (Wortzusammensetzungen):

• Galgenstrick: Hangman's rope (very negative).
• Wäschestrick: Old-fashioned term for Wäscheleine (clothesline).
• Sprungstrick: Skipping rope / jump rope.