German word

Sockel

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈzɔkl̩/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpedestal

Example

Die Statue steht auf einem Sockel.

The statue stands on a pedestal.

Illustration for Sockel (pedestal)

More examples

Wir sollten Politiker vom Sockel holen.

We should take politicians off their pedestal.

Core concept

A solid base makes an object stand securely and visibly, or gives a technical part a fixed place to fit into.

Common phrases

  • jemanden vom Sockel holen

    take someone off their pedestal

  • jemanden auf den Sockel setzen

    put someone on a pedestal

Similar words

Podest: A flat, slightly raised platform for placing a person or object.
Fundament: A solid base that supports a building or heavy structure from below.
Säule: An upright, usually round support that carries the upper part of a building.
Fuß: The bottom part that supports an object's weight and touches the ground.

Definition in German

Eine sichtbare, erhöhte Basis unter einer Statue oder einem Gegenstand, die ihn stützt und hervorhebt; in technischen Zusammenhängen auch die Aufnahme für ein Bauteil.

Word origin

Sockel entered German through French socle from the Latin diminutive socculus, originally connected with soccus, a low shoe or slipper.

Usage tips

  • The phrase jemanden auf einen Sockel stellen means to idealize or overpraise someone and is usually figurative.

Other meanings

  • basenoun
  • socketnoun

Opposites

  • Herabsetzungdisparagementnoun
  • Demütigunghumiliationnoun

Word lists with this word