German word

Balken

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈbalkən/

Meaning

  • masculine nounbeam

Example

Die Balken sind aus Stahl.

The beams are made of steel.

Illustration for Balken (beam)

More examples

Der alte Stahlbalken ist sichtbar korrodiert.

The old steel beam is visibly corroded.

Core concept

A long rigid member spanning a gap, from a roof timber to a steel girder.

Common phrases

  • Stahlbalken

    steel beam

  • Holzbalken

    wooden beam

  • Deckenbalken

    ceiling beam

Similar words

Träger: A thick structural member designed to support heavy loads.
Riegel: A thick horizontal member used above openings or to reinforce a structure.
Brett: A thin, wide, flat piece of wood.
Sparren: A long, narrow wooden member set diagonally to support a roof.

Definition in German

Ein Balken ist ein längliches Bauteil zur Lastabtragung, das in Bauwerken meist horizontal zwischen Stützen angeordnet ist.

Word origin

German Balken continues Middle High German balke and Old High German balko, from Proto-Germanic *balkô.

Usage tips

  • Balken is masculine, and its plural is also Balken, as in der Balken and die Balken.

Other meanings

  • crossbarnoun
  • girdernoun

Related words

  • Balkenträgerbeam supportnoun
  • Balkenstärkebeam thicknessnoun
  • balkenförmigbeam-shapedadjective

Word lists with this word