German word

Gürtel

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈgʏɐ̯tl̩/

Meaning

  • masculine nounbelt

Example

Er trägt einen Gürtel.

He is wearing a belt.

Illustration for Gürtel (belt)

More examples

In schwierigen Zeiten müssen viele Haushalte den Gürtel enger schnallen.

In difficult times, many households have to tighten their belts.

Core concept

A firm strip encircles a waist, while the same encircling shape can define a zone around something larger.

Common phrases

  • den Gürtel enger schnallen

    tighten one's belt

  • mit dem Gürtel befestigen

    secure with a belt

Similar words

Schnalle: Metal hardware used to close and secure a strap.
Hosenträger: Straps worn over the shoulders to hold trousers in place.

Definition in German

Ein Gürtel ist ein schmaler Streifen aus Leder, Stoff oder anderem Material, den man um Taille oder Hüfte legt, um Hose oder Rock zu halten oder als Schmuck zu dienen.

Word origin

The noun is inherited from Germanic through Old High German gurtil and Middle High German gürtel, with the older root gurt meaning 'belt'.

Usage tips

  • The idiom den Gürtel enger schnallen means to cut spending or live more frugally, not literally to tighten a belt.

Other meanings

  • zonenoun

Related words

  • Gürteltaschewaist bagnoun
  • Gürtelschnallebelt bucklenoun

Word lists with this word