German word

Nadel

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈnaːdl̩/

Meaning

  • feminine nounneedle

Example

Ich habe viele Nadeln in der Schachtel.

I have many needles in the box.

Illustration for Nadel (needle)

More examples

Beim Impfen benutzt die Ärztin eine sterile Nadel.

The doctor uses a sterile needle when vaccinating.

Core concept

A slender pointed tool passes through fabric or skin, carrying thread or delivering medicine.

Common phrases

  • Nadel und Faden

    needle and thread

  • mit der Nadel nähen

    sew with a needle

  • eine sterilisierte Nadel

    a sterilized needle

Similar words

Nähnadel: A small needle for hand-sewing cloth.
Stecknadel: A headed pin for temporarily fastening fabric or paper.
Sicherheitsnadel: A fabric fastener with a mechanism that covers its sharp point.
Injektionsnadel: A thin hollow needle used to inject medicine or vaccines.

Definition in German

Dünnes, meist spitz zulaufendes Metall- oder Kunststoffstück zum Durchstechen, Nähen oder für medizinische Punktionen.

Word origin

German Nadel continues Old High German nadal and Middle High German nadel, from the same Germanic family as English needle.

Usage tips

  • Nadel is feminine, with the plural Nadeln: die Nadel, die Nadeln.

Related words

  • Nadelkissenpincushionnoun
  • Nadelöhreye of a needlenoun
  • Nadelstichneedle pricknoun

Word lists with this word