die  Kupplung

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkʊplʊŋ/

⚙️ What does "die Kupplung" mean?

The word die Kupplung (feminine noun) has several technical meanings, but mostly refers to a device for connecting or disconnecting machine parts, especially shafts.

• In cars: The most common meaning is the car clutch (die Autokupplung). It disconnects the engine from the gearbox (das Getriebe) to allow gear changes (das Schalten der Gänge) or to stop the vehicle while the engine is running.
• On trains: The device for connecting wagons (die Waggons) is also called a Kupplung (coupling).
• General engineering: Any device that connects two shafts or components, either by friction or positive locking, can be called a Kupplung (e.g., Rohrkupplung - pipe coupling, Wellenkupplung - shaft coupling).

🚨 There are no other articles for this word in these technical meanings. The meaning is usually clear from the context.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: die Kupplung

The noun "Kupplung" is feminine. The article is "die". Here is the declension:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Kupplung meines Autos muss repariert werden.
   The clutch of my car needs to be repaired.
2. Der Lokführer verband die Waggons mit einer stabilen Kupplung.
   The train driver connected the wagons with a sturdy coupling.
3. Beim Anfahren ließ er die Kupplung langsam kommen.
   When starting off, he slowly released the clutch.
4. Für diese Rohrleitung benötigen wir spezielle Kupplungen.
   We need special couplings for this pipeline.

🛠️ How to use "die Kupplung"?

The use of "Kupplung" is highly context-dependent:

• Vehicle technology (Fahrzeugtechnik): Here, it almost always refers to the car clutch. People talk about die Kupplung treten (pressing the clutch), kommen lassen (releasing the clutch), or that it is verschlissen (worn out).
• Railways (Bahnwesen): Refers to the connection between trains or wagons.
• General engineering/mechanical engineering (Allgemeine Technik/Maschinenbau): Denotes various types of connectors (e.g., Wellenkupplung - shaft coupling, Schlauchkupplung - hose coupling).

Risk of confusion? Sometimes the word Koppelung (often used in a technical or systemic sense for a connection/link) or Verkupplung (in the sense of matchmaking, rather dated or figurative) are used, but they have different meanings.

🧠 Mnemonics for Kupplung

Article Mnemonic: Think of dIE MachinE or dIE techniquE – many technical devices or concepts ending in -ung are feminine in German, like dIE KupplUNG.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine two things "coupling" (connecting) - whether it's an engine and gearbox or two train cars. The Kupplung makes this coupling possible.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar sounding/looking words:

• Kuppelei: Refers to matchmaking (setting people up), has nothing to do with technology.
• Koppel: A paddock (fenced area) or a belt with a buckle.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat das alte Auto immer Probleme beim Anfahren?
Weil seine Kupplung unter Trennungsangst leidet! 😄

Why does the old car always have trouble starting off?
Because its clutch suffers from separation anxiety! 😄

📜 Poem about the Kupplung

Die Kupplung, stark und oft aus Stahl,
verbindet Teile, ohne Wahl.
Im Auto trennt sie sanft die Kraft,
damit der Fahrer Gänge schafft.
Am Zug hält sie die Wagen fest,
besteht im Alltag jeden Test.
Ein kleines Teil, doch wichtig sehr,
bringt Technik voran, immer mehr.

The clutch, strong and often steel,
connects the parts, it makes them real.
In cars, it gently breaks the power,
so drivers shift from hour to hour.
On trains, it holds the wagons tight,
endures the daily stress and might.
A small component, yet key,
advancing tech, for all to see.

❓ Riddle

Ich verbinde und ich trenne,
obwohl ich keine Hände kenne.
Im Auto trittst du mich mit Fuß,
beim Zug geb' ich den Wagen Kuss.

Was bin ich?

I connect and I disconnect,
though hands I possess none, I suspect.
In cars, you step on me with feet,
On trains, I make the wagons meet.

What am I?

💡 Other Interesting Facts

Word Composition:

The word "Kupplung" derives from the verb "kuppeln", which means "to couple" or "to connect". The suffix "-ung" turns it into a noun, describing the process or result of connecting, or the component used for it.

Trivia:

• The invention of the modern friction clutch, as used in cars, was a crucial step in the development of the automobile.
• There are many different types of couplings (Kupplungen) in engineering, e.g., slip clutches (Rutschkupplungen), centrifugal clutches (Fliehkraftkupplungen), hydraulic couplings (hydraulische Kupplungen), magnetic couplings (magnetische Kupplungen).