Breakdown of Der Meister nimmt das Zahnrad mit der Pinzette.
nehmen
to take
mit
with
der Meister
the master
das Zahnrad
the gear
Questions & Answers about Der Meister nimmt das Zahnrad mit der Pinzette.
Why is Pinzette singular in German when 'tweezers' is plural in English?
In German, die Pinzette is a singular noun referring to the tool as a single unit. English treats 'tweezers' as a plural pair (like scissors or pants). Because it is a singular feminine noun following the dative preposition mit, the article changes to der, resulting in mit der Pinzette.
What kind of 'master' does der Meister refer to in this sentence?
Given the context of handling a gear (das Zahnrad), der Meister refers to a master craftsman, such as a master watchmaker or mechanic. In the German vocational system, a Meister is a highly respected professional who has passed advanced state certification.
How is the word Zahnrad constructed?
It is a descriptive compound noun made from der Zahn (the tooth) and das Rad (the wheel). A 'tooth-wheel' describes a gear or cogwheel. As with all German compound nouns, the final word dictates the gender, making it das Zahnrad.