die
Spule
🧵 What exactly is a 'Spule'?
The German word die Spule (feminine) generally refers to a cylindrical or conical object onto which something is wound, or which itself consists of a winding.
- Technology/Electrical Engineering 💡: Here, a Spule is often an inductor, i.e., a component made of a wound wire that generates a magnetic field when current flows through it (e.g., Zündspule - ignition coil, electromagnet).
- Crafts/Textiles 🧶: A Spule is used for winding thread, yarn, wire, rope, film, or similar materials (e.g., Nähgarnspule - sewing thread spool, Kabelspule - cable reel, Filmspule - film reel). It keeps the material organized and makes unwinding easier.
So, there are mainly these two core meanings, both revolving around the principle of winding.
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 Spule"
The noun "Spule" is feminine. Here is its declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Spule |
| Genitive | der | Spule |
| Dative | der | Spule |
| Accusative | die | Spule |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Spulen |
| Genitive | der | Spulen |
| Dative | den | Spulen |
| Accusative | die | Spulen |
Example Sentences
- Der Elektriker tauscht die Spule im Motor aus. (The electrician replaces the coil in the engine. - Accusative Singular)
- Auf der Spule ist nicht mehr viel Garn übrig. (There isn't much thread left on the spool. - Dative Singular)
- Die Funktion der Spulen ist entscheidend für das Gerät. (The function of the coils is crucial for the device. - Genitive Plural)
- Wir benötigen mehrere Spulen Kupferdraht. (We need several spools of copper wire. - Accusative Plural)
When to use "Spule"? 🤔
- In a technical context: When talking about electrical components that exhibit inductance (e.g., in motors, transformers, filters). Example: "Die Zündspule erzeugt die Hochspannung für die Zündkerze." (The ignition coil generates the high voltage for the spark plug.)
- In a craft or everyday context: When referring to winding threads, yarns, wires, hoses, or films. Example: "Gib mir bitte die Spule mit dem roten Nähgarn." (Please give me the spool with the red sewing thread.) or "Die Feuerwehr rollte den Schlauch auf die Schlauchspule." (The fire department rolled the hose onto the hose reel.)
- Figuratively: Less commonly used figuratively, e.g., for something that rotates or runs quickly.
There's little risk of confusion, as the context usually makes the meaning clear. Similar objects include 'Rolle' (often wider or for paper/foils) or 'Wickel' (often the winding itself without a solid core).
Memory Aids for 'Spule'
Article Mnemonic: Many technical winding things or roundish items used in crafts are feminine in German. Think of die Nähmaschine (sewing machine) using die Spule.
Meaning Mnemonic: The word Spule sounds a bit like the English word 'spool', which is one of its main meanings. Also, the German verb 'spulen' means 'to wind' or 'to spool'. So, a Spule is something you 'spool' things onto.
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Rolle: Often wider, e.g., Papierrolle (paper roll), Klebebandrolle (tape roll).
- Wickel: The wound part itself, often without a core.
- Garnrolle / Fadenspule: Specifically for yarn/thread.
- Induktivität: Technical term for the electrical coil.
- Kabeltrommel: Large reel for cables.
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
Direct antonyms are difficult. One might think in terms of state:
- Abwickler / Abroller: Device for unwinding (not the opposite of the spool itself).
- Entwirrtes / Loses Material: The unwound/loose state without a spool.
⚠️ Similar sounding words:
- Spüle (die): The kitchen sink. Don't confuse!
- Spülen (verb): Can mean 'to rinse/wash' or 'to wind/spool'. Context is key.
😂 A Little Spool Joke
German: Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, was ist der Unterschied zwischen einer Spule und einem Transformator?" Fritzchen: "Ganz einfach! Eine Spule wickelt einen ein, ein Transformator wickelt einen um!"
English Translation: The teacher asks: "Fritzchen, what's the difference between a coil (Spule) and a transformer?" Fritzchen: "Easy! A coil winds you up (einwickeln - can mean wrap up/swindle), a transformer winds you around (umwickeln - wrap around)!" (It's a play on words with 'wickeln' meaning 'to wind' but also having figurative meanings).
📜 Poem about the Spool
German:
Die Spule, rund und fein,
hält Faden, Draht, im Schein.
Mal wickelt sie geschwind,
mal gibt sie her dem Wind.
In Technik wirkt ihr Feld,
wenn Strom durch Drähte schnellt.
Ein kleines Ding, doch klar,
ist sie stets nützlich da.
English Translation:
The spool, so round and fine,
holds thread and wire, in light's shine.
Sometimes it winds so fast,
sometimes gives to the blast.
In tech, its field takes hold,
when current through wires is told.
A little thing, but clear,
it's always useful here.
🧩 Who am I? A Spool Riddle
German:
Ich habe einen Kern, doch leb' ich nicht.
Ich wickle auf, bei Tag und Licht.
Mal halt' ich Garn für Nähgeschick,
mal schaff' ich Strom mit Zaubertrick.
Wer bin ich?
English Translation:
I have a core, but have no life.
I wind things up, in day and light.
Sometimes I hold yarn for sewing skill,
sometimes make power with magic's thrill.
Who am I?
Solution: die Spule (the spool/coil)
Additional Info 🤓
Word Origin:
The word "Spule" is closely related to the verb "spulen", which means "to wind" or "to spool" (and also "to rewind/fast-forward" for tapes/films).
Common Compounds:
- Zündspule: Ignition coil (essential part of ignition systems in combustion engines).
- Nähgarnspule: Sewing thread spool.
- Kabelspule / Kabeltrommel: Cable reel / cable drum.
- Schwingspule: Voice coil (part of a loudspeaker).
- Feldspule: Field coil (creates a magnetic field in motors or generators).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Spule?
The German word Spule is always feminine. The correct article is die Spule. It primarily refers to either a technical component (coil) or an object for winding thread, wire, etc. (spool, bobbin).