die
Leine
🧐 What exactly does "die Leine" mean?
The German word die Leine primarily has two meanings:
Line, cord, rope, leash: This is the most common meaning. It refers to a longer, thin cord or rope. Common examples include:
- Hundeleine: A dog leash. 🐕
- Wäscheleine: A clothesline. 🧺
- Angelleine: A fishing line. 🎣
A river: Die Leine is also the name of a river in Lower Saxony and Thuringia, Germany. 🏞️
Since the article is always 'die', there's no confusion regarding the gender for this noun.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
📝 Grammar of "die Leine" in Detail
The noun 'Leine' is feminine. Therefore, the article is always 'die'.
Declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Leine |
| Genitive | der | Leine |
| Dative | der | Leine |
| Accusative | die | Leine |
Example Sentences:
- Meaning 1 (Line/Leash): Der Hund zog an der Leine. (The dog pulled on the leash.)
- Meaning 1 (Line/Leash): Häng die Wäsche bitte auf die Leine. (Please hang the laundry on the line.)
- Meaning 2 (River): Hannover liegt an der Leine. (Hanover is located on the Leine river.)
- Plural: Wir brauchen neue Leinen für die Boote. (We need new lines/ropes for the boats.)
💡 How "die Leine" is used
The usage of 'die Leine' heavily depends on the context:
- Everyday life (Line/Rope): Most often, 'Leine' refers to a Hundeleine (dog leash) or Wäscheleine (clothesline). One talks about 'einen Hund an die Leine zu nehmen' (to put a dog on the leash) or 'ihn von der Leine zu lassen' (to let him off the leash). Laundry 'wird auf die Leine gehängt' (is hung on the line).
- Idioms:
- Jemanden an der kurzen Leine halten: (To keep someone on a short leash) - To control someone strictly.
- Sich an der langen Leine lassen: (To be given a long leash) - To give someone a lot of freedom.
- Am Ende seiner Leine sein: (To be at the end of one's rope/leash) - To be completely exhausted or at a loss (less common than 'am Ende seiner Kräfte/Weisheit sein').
- Geography (River): When talking about cities like Hanover or Göttingen, 'die Leine' might refer to the river. The context usually makes this clear.
⚠️ Caution: Do not confuse 'die Leine' (line, river) with 'das Leinen' (linen fabric).
🧠 Mnemonics for "die Leine"
Article Mnemonic: Many German nouns ending in -e with two syllables are feminine ('die'). Think: die Lampe (the lamp), die Tasche (the bag), die Leine (the line/leash). It fits!
Meaning Mnemonic (Line/Leash): Imagine a dog excited for a walk, pulling on its LEINE. Or picture hanging laundry on a LINE. The connection to the English word 'line' is very strong and helpful here.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (for Meaning 1: Line/Rope):
- Die Schnur: Often thinner than a 'Leine'. (String, cord)
- Der Strick: Usually thicker and more robust. (Rope, thick cord)
- Das Seil: Generally even thicker and stronger than a 'Strick'. (Rope, cable)
- Die Kordel: A twisted cord, often for decoration or tying. (Cord, twine)
- Der Riemen (specific): A leather strap, e.g., for a dog leash. (Strap)
Similar but Different Words:
😂 A Little Joke
German: Fragt ein Spaziergänger den anderen: "Entschuldigung, beißt Ihr Hund?" Antwortet der andere: "Nein, aber er kann Ihnen zeigen, wie fest die Leine hält!"
English Translation: A passerby asks another: "Excuse me, does your dog bite?" The other replies: "No, but he can show you how strong the leash is!"
✒️ Poem about the Leine
German:
Die Leine, kurz und manchmal lang,
hält Bello fest, sein Leben lang?
Nein, nur beim Gang durch Stadt und Feld,
damit er nicht ins Weite schnellt.
Die andre Leine, nass und schwer,
trägt Wäsche hin und trägt sie her.
Im Wind sie flattert, trocknet fein,
so nützlich kann die Leine sein.
English Translation:
The leash, short and sometimes long,
holds Bello tight, his whole life long?
No, only when walking through town and field,
so he doesn't suddenly yield (to running off).
The other line, wet and heavy,
carries laundry back and forth already.
In the wind it flutters, dries so fine,
so useful can the simple line be.
🤔 A Little Riddle
German:
Ich halte fest, doch bin kein Schloss.
Ich häng' die Wäsche, bin kein Ross.
Ein Fluss trägt meinen Namen auch.
Mal kurz, mal lang, je nach Gebrauch.
Was bin ich?
... Die Leine
English Translation:
I hold things fast, but am no lock.
I hang the laundry, am no horse (Ross).
A river also bears my name.
Sometimes short, sometimes long, depending on the aim.
What am I?
... Die Leine (The line/leash)
🌐 Other Information
- River Details: The Leine river originates in Thuringia and flows into the Aller river near Schwarmstedt. It is approximately 281 km (175 miles) long.
- Etymology: The word 'Leine' (line/cord) comes from the Middle High German 'līne', meaning rope or cord, and is related to the English word 'line'.
- Compounds: Many compound nouns exist, e.g., Hundeleine (dog leash), Wäscheleine (clothesline), Angelleine (fishing line), Schleppleine (dragline/long leash), Anlegeleine (mooring line), Reißleine (ripcord).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Leine?
The word 'Leine' is feminine, so the correct article is always die Leine. It typically refers to a line or leash (like a Hundeleine or Wäscheleine) or a specific river.