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B1 noun #4,000 よく出る 11分で読める

die Leine

上位4,000

練習する例文メモとヒント die Leine 30秒で

解説 die Leine in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'die Leine' is a word you learn when talking about pets or the home. You should know that it means 'leash.' For example, 'Der Hund ist an der Leine' (The dog is on the leash). It is a feminine noun, so you use 'die'. You might also see it in the context of laundry, like 'Wäscheleine' (clothesline). At this stage, just focus on the physical object. You don't need to worry about metaphors. Remember that in Germany, dogs often must be on a leash in public. If you see a sign with a dog and a red line, it usually means 'Leinenzwang' (leash required). Practice the phrase 'an die Leine nehmen' (to put on a leash). It is a simple, useful word for everyday life, especially if you like animals or help with chores at home.

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At the A2 level, you start to use 'die Leine' in more complete sentences with different prepositions. You should understand the difference between 'an der Leine' (dative, location: where is the dog?) and 'an die Leine' (accusative, movement: where are you putting the leash?). You will also encounter compound words like 'Hundeleine' or 'Wäscheleine'. You might hear people in a park saying, 'Bitte nehmen Sie Ihren Hund an die Leine.' This level also introduces the verb 'anleinen' (to leash). You should be able to describe a simple scene: 'Die Frau hängt die nasse Wäsche auf die Leine.' You are expanding your vocabulary to include domestic tasks and basic public rules. It's important to notice that 'Leine' is different from 'Seil' (a thick rope), which you might use for sports or heavy work.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to know 'die Leine' well enough to understand common idioms and more specific contexts. You will learn the phrase 'jemanden an der kurzen Leine halten' (to keep someone on a short leash), which means to control someone strictly. You also learn 'Leine ziehen,' which is a colloquial way to say 'leave' or 'go away.' You should be comfortable using the word in maritime contexts if you live near the coast, where 'Leinen' are used for boats. You also start to see the word in news reports about local laws (Leinenzwang). Your grammar should be stable enough to handle plural forms like 'die Leinen losmachen' (to untie the lines). You can now distinguish between 'die Leine' (the cord) and 'das Leinen' (the fabric), avoiding common learner mistakes. This word becomes a tool for both literal description and figurative expression.

At the B2 level, you use 'die Leine' in nuanced ways. You understand that it can represent control, safety, or connection. You might read articles about animal rights or urban planning where 'Leinenzwang' is debated. You are familiar with more technical terms like 'Rollleine' (retractable leash) or 'Schleppleine' (long training lead). You can use the word in professional metaphors: 'Der Projektleiter ließ die Mitarbeiter an der langen Leine,' meaning he gave them a lot of freedom. You also recognize the word in literature or more complex media, where 'die Leine' might symbolize a metaphorical bond between people. Your ability to use the word in the passive voice—'Der Hund wurde an die Leine genommen'—shows your grammatical maturity. You also know that 'die Reißleine ziehen' means to pull the ripcord or abort a failing plan, a common term in business German.

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At the C1 level, 'die Leine' is a word you can use with stylistic precision. You understand its historical and etymological roots and can use it in sophisticated metaphors. You might use it in a legal or formal context, discussing the 'Haftung' (liability) of a dog owner who ignores the 'Anleinpflicht'. You can appreciate the word in poetry or high-level prose, where a 'seidene Leine' (silken line) might represent a fragile connection. You are aware of regional variations and can distinguish between 'Leine', 'Tau', 'Trosse', and 'Kabel' in maritime or technical German. Your use of 'Leine ziehen' is perfectly timed for the right social context, knowing exactly how rude or informal it sounds. You can explain the cultural significance of the 'Wäscheleine' in German environmentalism versus the American preference for dryers. You have mastered the word's full semantic field.

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At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of 'die Leine'. You can use it in complex idiomatic expressions and understand the subtle connotations of its usage in various dialects. You might engage in deep discussions about the 'Leinenzwang' in German law and its philosophical implications for 'Freiheit' (freedom) vs. 'Sicherheit' (security). You can use the word in creative writing to evoke specific imagery—perhaps the sound of a 'schlagende Leine' (flapping line) against a mast in a storm. You are also aware of the word's place in German history, perhaps knowing how 'Leinen' (the material) and 'Leine' (the cord) were once more closely linked in trade and production. You can navigate the most academic or technical texts where 'Leine' might appear as part of a complex mechanical description. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a versatile instrument in your linguistic repertoire.

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練習する例文メモとヒント

die Leine 30秒で

Die Leine means leash or line.
Commonly used for dogs (Hundeleine) and laundry (Wäscheleine).
It is a feminine noun: die Leine, plural die Leinen.
Important in idioms about control (kurze Leine) or leaving (Leine ziehen).

The German word die Leine is a versatile noun that primarily refers to a leash, a cord, or a line used for tethering, leading, or hanging objects. While English speakers most immediately associate it with a dog leash, its semantic range in German extends significantly further into domestic and maritime contexts. At its core, a Leine is a flexible, durable length of material—be it leather, nylon, or hemp—designed to maintain a physical connection between two points or a person and an animal. In the bustling parks of Berlin or the quiet suburbs of Munich, you will frequently hear the term Leinenzwang, referring to the legal requirement to keep dogs on a leash. This cultural nuance is vital for any learner; the Leine is not just a tool but a symbol of public order and responsibility in German society.

The Dog Leash (Hundeleine): The most common everyday use. It refers to the strap used to lead a pet. Varieties include the Rollleine (retractable leash) and the Schleppleine (long training lead).

Entschuldigung, muss der Hund hier an die Leine? (Excuse me, does the dog have to be on a leash here?)

Beyond the canine world, die Leine is the standard term for a clothesline (Wäscheleine). In German households, air-drying clothes is much more common than using a mechanical dryer, making the Leine a central fixture of domestic life. You might hear someone say they are hanging the laundry 'auf die Leine.' Furthermore, in nautical contexts, a Leine is a smaller rope or line used on boats for docking or securing gear, distinct from the much thicker Tau or Seil used for heavy-duty rigging. This distinction highlights the German tendency for technical precision; a Leine is generally thinner and more manageable than a heavy rope.

The Clothesline (Wäscheleine): A cord stretched between two points for drying laundry. It is an essential part of the German 'Energiewende' mindset, favoring natural drying over electricity-heavy appliances.

Häng die nassen Trikots bitte sofort auf die Leine, damit sie bis morgen trocken sind.

Finally, the word carries significant metaphorical weight. To keep someone on a 'short leash' (an der kurzen Leine halten) implies strict control or supervision, often used in professional or parenting contexts. Conversely, giving someone 'more line' (an der langen Leine lassen) suggests granting them autonomy while still maintaining ultimate oversight. These idioms are deeply embedded in German management and social discourse, reflecting a culture that values both structure and the gradual delegation of freedom. Understanding 'die Leine' is therefore a window into the German balance of control and independence.

Using die Leine correctly requires an understanding of German prepositions and cases, as the word often appears in prepositional phrases indicating location or direction. The most frequent construction is an der Leine (on the leash), which uses the dative case to indicate a state of being. For example, 'Der Hund ist an der Leine' (The dog is on the leash). If you are putting the dog on the leash, you use the accusative: 'Ich nehme den Hund an die Leine.' This distinction between 'where' (dative) and 'where to' (accusative) is a fundamental hurdle for English speakers, but 'die Leine' provides a perfect concrete example to master this rule.

Grammatical Placement: When used as a direct object, it takes the accusative: 'Ich halte die Leine.' When used with 'an' to describe the state of an animal, it follows two-way preposition rules.

In der Innenstadt müssen alle Hunde an der Leine geführt werden.

In the context of laundry, the preposition auf is commonly used. You hang clothes 'auf die Leine' (onto the line) and they hang 'auf der Leine' (on the line). Interestingly, 'an die Leine' can also be used for laundry if the line is vertical or if you are attaching something to it laterally, but 'auf' is the standard for the horizontal clothesline experience. Verbs that frequently pair with 'die Leine' include führen (to lead), halten (to hold), festmachen (to fasten), and lösen (to loosen/release). If a dog pulls on the leash, the verb is ziehen: 'Der Hund zieht an der Leine.'

Action Verbs: 'Anleinen' (to put on a leash) and 'ableinen' (to take off a leash) are specific verbs derived from the noun that simplify sentence structure.

Könntest du den Welpen bitte anleinen? Er läuft sonst auf die Straße.

For advanced learners, using 'die Leine' in passive or abstract constructions is a sign of fluency. Phrases like 'von der Leine gelassen werden' (to be let off the leash) can describe a person who is finally allowed to act freely after a period of restriction. In maritime settings, you might hear 'Leinen los!' (Cast off!), which is the equivalent of 'All hands on deck, prepare to sail.' This command uses the plural 'Leinen' because a ship is typically secured by multiple lines. Whether you are talking about a small puppy or a massive yacht, the structural logic of how 'die Leine' connects objects remains consistent across the language.

If you find yourself in a German-speaking country, die Leine will likely enter your vocabulary through daily errands and outdoor activities. The most prominent location is the local 'Stadtpark' (city park). Germany has strict regulations regarding pets, and signs reading 'Hunde an die Leine!' or 'Leinenzwang' are ubiquitous. You will hear dog owners shouting to one another, 'Ist Ihr Hund an der Leine?' to ensure safe encounters between their pets. This is not just about safety; it's a social etiquette that German speakers take very seriously. In these settings, the word is often spoken with a tone of authoritative instruction or polite inquiry.

Public Spaces: Parks, pedestrian zones, and nature reserves are the primary places where 'die Leine' is discussed as a legal requirement.

Vorsicht! Die Leine ist sehr lang, man könnte darüber stolpern.

Another common environment is the 'Hinterhof' (courtyard) or the balcony of an apartment building. Since many Germans live in flats, the communal or private 'Wäscheleine' is a frequent topic of conversation. You might hear neighbors discussing whether the 'Leine' is full or if the rain will soak the clothes currently hanging on it. In hardware stores (Baumärkte) like OBI or Bauhaus, you will find entire aisles dedicated to different types of 'Leinen,' from steel-core clotheslines to braided nylon dog leads. Here, the word is used technically, often accompanied by adjectives describing length and thickness.

Domestic Life: The 'Wäschespinne' (rotary dryer) is essentially a complex system of 'Leinen' used in gardens to dry large amounts of laundry.

Wir müssen die Leinen am Steg fester ziehen, der Wind wird stärker.

In a more figurative sense, you will hear 'die Leine' in the workplace or in political news. A boss might be described as keeping his team 'an der kurzen Leine' during a high-stakes project. In colloquial slang, the phrase 'Leine ziehen' is a sharp way to tell someone to go away or 'beat it.' If someone says, 'Zieh Leine!', they are essentially telling you to untie your metaphorical boat and sail away. This wide variety of contexts—from the literal dog park to the metaphorical office and the slang of the street—makes 'die Leine' a high-frequency word that bridges many different social spheres in Germany.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with die Leine is confusing it with the English word 'linen.' While they sound similar, 'linen' (the fabric) is translated as das Leinen (neuter) or Leinwand (for canvas). If you say 'Ich trage eine Leine,' you are literally saying 'I am wearing a leash,' which will certainly cause some confused looks! Always remember that the leash/line is feminine (die), while the fabric is neuter (das) and usually used without an article when referring to the material in general.

Confusion with Material: Die Leine = The leash/line. Das Leinen = The linen fabric. This is a classic 'false friend' trap for B1 learners.

Falsch: Mein Hemd ist aus der Leine. Richtig: Mein Hemd ist aus Leinen.

Another common mistake involves the distinction between die Leine, das Seil, and der Strick. A Seil is a heavy-duty rope, like one used for climbing or towing a car. A Strick is often a rougher, thicker cord, sometimes associated with a noose or a simple tether. Using 'Seil' when you mean 'Hundeleine' sounds overly dramatic, like you are using a mountain-climbing rope to walk your chihuahua. Conversely, calling a ship's heavy mooring cable a 'Leine' might understate its massive strength, although sailors do use the term 'Leine' for smaller lines on board.

Wrong Word Choice: Don't use 'Leine' for heavy industrial cables (Kabel) or thick climbing ropes (Seile). Stick to 'Leine' for thinner, manageable cords.

Hunde sollten nicht an zu kurzen Leinen gehalten werden.

Finally, learners often struggle with the figurative phrase 'Leine ziehen.' Because 'ziehen' means 'to pull,' beginners often think it means 'to pull the leash.' However, in slang, it means 'to leave.' If you translate 'I pulled the leash' as 'Ich habe die Leine gezogen,' you might accidentally tell someone you 'took off' or 'beat it' from a situation rather than describing an action with your dog. For the physical act of a dog pulling on the leash, you must use the preposition 'an': 'Der Hund zieht an der Leine.' Omitting 'an der' changes the meaning from a physical interaction to a colloquial departure.

Understanding the synonyms and related terms for die Leine helps in choosing the right word for the right level of tension and thickness. The most direct alternative is die Schnur. A Schnur is typically thinner than a Leine—think of a string used for a parcel or a kite. If a Leine is a leash, a Schnur is a string. Then there is die Kordel, which usually refers to a decorative or twisted cord, like the ones found on high-end curtains or hoodies. Using Kordel instead of Leine for a dog would imply the leash is very fancy or ornamental.

Leine vs. Schnur: Leine is for leading animals or drying clothes (functional/strong). Schnur is for tying packages or crafts (thin/light).
Leine vs. Seil: Leine is thin and handled by hand. Seil is thick, heavy, and used for climbing, towing, or construction.

Anstatt einer Leine benutzte der Angler eine extrem reißfeste Angelschnur.

In specific contexts, you might use der Gurt. A Gurt is a flat strap, like a seatbelt or the strap of a backpack. Some modern 'Leinen' are actually 'Gurtleinen' (flat-strap leashes) rather than 'Seilleinen' (round-cord leashes). Another interesting related word is die Kette (the chain). In some regions, or for very large dogs, a chain might be used instead of a leash. However, calling a chain a 'Leine' is technically incorrect, though the function remains the same. For clothes, you might hear der Wäscheständer (drying rack), which is the alternative to the Wäscheleine for those who don't have space to string a line.

Regional Variations: In some Southern German and Austrian dialects, you might hear 'Strick' used more casually for any kind of rope or leash, though 'Leine' remains the standard high German term.

Der Kapitän befahl, das Schiff mit starken Tauen zu sichern, da die Leinen zu schwach waren.

Lastly, consider the word die Reißleine. This is the 'ripcord' on a parachute or a safety emergency release. It is a specific type of 'Leine' used in critical situations. If a project is failing, a manager might 'die Reißleine ziehen' (pull the ripcord) to stop it before things get worse. This shows how the basic concept of a 'line'—something you pull to trigger an action—is expanded into abstract and life-saving contexts. By comparing 'Leine' with 'Schnur,' 'Seil,' and 'Gurt,' you gain a precise vocabulary for describing anything that ties, leads, or connects.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The word is directly related to 'Lein' (flax). Historically, ropes were often made from flax fibers, which is why the leash and the fabric (linen) share the same root.

発音ガイド

UK /ˈlaɪ̯nə/

US /ˈlaɪ̯nə/

The stress is on the first syllable: LEI-ne.

韻が合う語

meine deine seine keine Steine Beine kleine alleine

よくある間違い

Pronouncing it like 'lean' (long e). It must be 'ai' like 'eye'.
Forgetting the final 'e' sound, making it sound like 'line'.
Confusing the 'ei' sound with 'ie' (Liene - incorrect).

難易度

読解 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, especially with dog or laundry imagery.

ライティング 3/5

Requires knowledge of feminine endings and compound word formation.

スピーキング 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once the 'ei' diphthong is mastered.

リスニング 3/5

Can be confused with 'Leinen' (linen) in fast speech.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

der Hund die Wäsche das Seil führen halten

次に学ぶ

anleinen ableinen der Leinenzwang die Reißleine die Schnur

上級

die Koppelung die Verknüpfung die Restriktion die Autonomie

知っておくべき文法

Two-way prepositions (Wechselpräpositionen)

an der Leine (Dative) vs. an die Leine (Accusative)

Compound Nouns

Hunde + Leine = Hundeleine (Gender comes from the last word)

Separable Verbs

anleinen -> Ich leine den Hund an.

Feminine Noun Declension

Die Leine, der Leine, der Leine, die Leine.

Plural Formation

Most feminine nouns ending in -e take -n in the plural: die Leinen.

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レベル別の例文

Der Hund ist an der Leine.

The dog is on the leash.

Dative case after 'an' indicating location.

Wo ist die Leine?

Where is the leash?

Nominative case, subject of the sentence.

Ich kaufe eine neue Leine.

I am buying a new leash.

Accusative case, direct object.

Die Leine ist blau.

The leash is blue.

Simple predicate adjective construction.

Halt die Leine fest!

Hold the leash tight!

Imperative form of 'halten'.

Das ist eine lange Leine.

That is a long leash.

Adjective ending '-e' for feminine nominative.

Der Hund braucht eine Leine.

The dog needs a leash.

Verb 'brauchen' takes the accusative.

Die Wäsche ist auf der Leine.

The laundry is on the line.

'Auf' with dative for location.

Bitte nehmen Sie den Hund an die Leine.

Please put the dog on the leash.

Accusative case after 'an' indicating movement/action.

Ich habe die Leine im Auto vergessen.

I forgot the leash in the car.

Perfect tense with 'haben'.

Die Wäscheleine ist gestern kaputtgegangen.

The clothesline broke yesterday.

Compound noun: Wäsche + Leine.

Kannst du den Hund kurz anleinen?

Can you briefly leash the dog?

Verb 'anleinen' derived from the noun.

Die Leine ist aus Leder gemacht.

The leash is made of leather.

Preposition 'aus' always takes the dative.

Wir hängen die Hemden auf die Leine.

We are hanging the shirts on the line.

Accusative 'auf die Leine' for the action of hanging.

Der Hund zieht stark an der Leine.

The dog is pulling hard on the leash.

Fixed expression 'ziehen an' + dative.

Gibt es hier eine Leine für Katzen?

Is there a leash for cats here?

Preposition 'für' takes the accusative.

In diesem Park herrscht absoluter Leinenzwang.

In this park, there is an absolute leash requirement.

Compound noun meaning 'leash compulsion'.

Er hält seine Mitarbeiter an der kurzen Leine.

He keeps his employees on a short leash.

Metaphorical use meaning strict control.

Zieh Leine, ich will dich hier nicht sehen!

Beat it, I don't want to see you here!

Colloquial idiom for 'go away'.

Die Leine hat sich um den Baum gewickelt.

The leash got wrapped around the tree.

Reflexive verb 'sich wickeln'.

Ich bevorzuge eine Rollleine für mehr Freiheit.

I prefer a retractable leash for more freedom.

Compound: Roll + Leine.

Die Wäscheleine muss fester gespannt werden.

The clothesline needs to be tightened.

Passive voice with 'müssen'.

Er ließ den Hund von der Leine.

He let the dog off the leash.

Phrase 'von der Leine lassen'.

Die Leinen des Bootes waren nicht sicher verknotet.

The boat's lines were not securely knotted.

Genitive plural 'des Bootes'.

Die Regierung hat die Reißleine gezogen und das Projekt gestoppt.

The government pulled the ripcord and stopped the project.

Idiom 'die Reißleine ziehen' (to abort).

Es ist wichtig, Welpen früh an die Leine zu gewöhnen.

It is important to get puppies used to the leash early on.

Infinitive construction with 'zu'.

Das Kind zerrte ungeduldig an der Leine seines Drachens.

The child tugged impatiently at his kite's string.

Verb 'zerren' (to tug) + 'an' + dative.

Die Leinenführung des Hundes hat sich stark verbessert.

The dog's leash handling has improved significantly.

Compound noun: Leine + Führung (guidance/handling).

Nach dem Streit zog er sofort Leine.

After the argument, he cleared out immediately.

Usage of 'Leine ziehen' in a narrative past tense.

Die Wäscheleine quitschte im starken Wind.

The clothesline creaked in the strong wind.

Simple past 'quitschte'.

Man sollte den Hund nicht ruckartig an der Leine ziehen.

One should not pull the dog on the leash with a jerk.

Adverb 'ruckartig' (jerky/sudden).

Die Leinen waren aus hochwertigem Nylon geflochten.

The lines were braided from high-quality nylon.

Past participle 'geflochten' as part of a description.

Der Leinenzwang dient dem Schutz der heimischen Wildtiere.

The leash requirement serves to protect local wildlife.

Dative object 'dem Schutz'.

Die Verhandlungen hingen an einer seidenen Leine.

The negotiations were hanging by a silken thread (leash).

Metaphorical expression for extreme fragility.

Er fühlte sich von den sozialen Erwartungen an die Leine gelegt.

He felt leashed by social expectations.

Passive metaphorical construction.

Die Kapitäne riefen 'Leinen los!', als die Fähre ablegte.

The captains shouted 'Cast off!' as the ferry departed.

Nautical command.

Eine Schleppleine ermöglicht dem Hund kontrollierten Freilauf.

A long training lead allows the dog controlled free movement.

Technical term for a specific type of leash.

Die Reißfestigkeit der Leine wurde im Labor geprüft.

The tensile strength of the line was tested in the laboratory.

Compound: Reiß + Festigkeit.

Trotz der langen Leine, an der man ihn ließ, blieb er loyal.

Despite the freedom he was given, he remained loyal.

Concessive clause with 'trotz'.

Die Leinen des Schicksals sind oft schwer zu entwirren.

The lines of fate are often hard to untangle.

Poetic/Literary usage.

Die dialektale Vielfalt spiegelt sich in Begriffen wie 'Gurt' oder 'Strick' wider, die oft synonym zur Leine verwendet werden.

Dialectal diversity is reflected in terms like 'Gurt' or 'Strick', which are often used synonymously with 'Leine'.

Complex sentence with relative clause.

In der Quantenphysik könnte man die Verschränkung metaphorisch als unsichtbare Leine zwischen Teilchen beschreiben.

In quantum physics, entanglement could be metaphorically described as an invisible leash between particles.

Subjunctive II 'könnte'.

Die strikte Handhabung des Leinenzwangs führt oft zu hitzigen Debatten unter Stadtbewohnern.

The strict enforcement of leash laws often leads to heated debates among city dwellers.

Nominal style typical of C2 German.

Er zog die Reißleine, bevor die finanzielle Schieflage des Unternehmens irreversibel wurde.

He pulled the ripcord before the company's financial imbalance became irreversible.

Temporal clause with 'bevor'.

Die feingliedrige Struktur der Leine zeugte von handwerklicher Meisterschaft.

The delicate structure of the line bore witness to artisanal mastery.

Elevated vocabulary: 'zeugte von'.

Manch einer sieht im Leinenzwang eine unzulässige Einschränkung der tierischen Entfaltung.

Some see the leash requirement as an impermissible restriction on animal development.

Indefinite pronoun 'Manch einer'.

Die Leinen waren so spröde geworden, dass sie bei der kleinsten Belastung rissen.

The lines had become so brittle that they snapped under the slightest load.

Consecutive clause with 'so... dass'.

In der maritimen Fachsprache wird peinlich genau zwischen verschiedenen Leinen und Trossen unterschieden.

In maritime jargon, a meticulous distinction is made between various lines and hawsers.

Passive voice 'wird unterschieden'.

よく使う組み合わせ

an der Leine führen

an die Leine nehmen

von der Leine lassen

auf die Leine hängen

an der Leine ziehen

eine lange Leine

die Reißleine ziehen

Leinen los!

kurze Leine

reißfeste Leine

よく使うフレーズ

Leinenzwang beachten

— To follow the rules about leashing dogs.

Bitte beachten Sie den Leinenzwang im Wald.

Wäsche auf die Leine

— Putting laundry out to dry.

Die Sonne scheint, die Wäsche kann auf die Leine.

Hund anleinen

— The act of putting the leash on.

Kannst du den Hund kurz anleinen?

Leine geben

— To give more slack or freedom.

Du musst dem Hund mehr Leine geben.

An der Leine reißen

— To jerk the leash roughly.

Reiß nicht so an der Leine!

Die Leine schleifen lassen

— To let the leash drag on the ground.

Bei der Ausbildung lässt man die Leine oft schleifen.

Sich in der Leine verfangen

— To get tangled in the leash.

Der Hund hat sich in der Leine verfangen.

Die Leine lösen

— To unclip or release the leash.

Er löste die Leine und der Hund rannte weg.

Eine ausziehbare Leine

— A retractable leash.

Ich mag diese ausziehbaren Leinen nicht.

Die Leine halten

— To hold the leash.

Wer hält heute die Leine beim Spaziergang?

よく混同される語

die Leine vs das Leinen

This is the fabric 'linen'. It is neuter and refers to the material, not the cord.

die Leine vs die Leinwand

This means 'canvas' or 'screen' (like in a cinema). Related root, different object.

die Leine vs das Seil

A much thicker rope. You wouldn't use 'Seil' for a standard dog leash.

慣用句と表現

"Leine ziehen"

— To leave quickly, often because one is unwanted.

Zieh Leine, du störst!

informal

"An der kurzen Leine halten"

— To control someone very strictly.

Die Chefin hält ihre Assistenten an der kurzen Leine.

neutral

"An der langen Leine lassen"

— To give someone freedom while still supervising.

Er lässt seine Auszubildenden an der langen Leine.

neutral

"Die Reißleine ziehen"

— To end a project or situation before it fails completely.

Nach den Verlusten zog die Bank die Reißleine.

neutral

"Von der Leine gelassen"

— To be allowed to act without restriction.

Nach den Prüfungen fühlten sich die Schüler wie von der Leine gelassen.

neutral

"Leinen los!"

— Ready to start or depart.

Alles ist vorbereitet, also: Leinen los!

neutral

"An einer seidenen Leine hängen"

— To be in a very precarious or fragile situation.

Der Frieden häng an einer seidenen Leine.

literary

"Jemanden an die Leine legen"

— To restrict someone's freedom significantly.

Man kann die Presse nicht einfach an die Leine legen.

figurative

"Sich von der Leine machen"

— To sneak away or leave quietly.

Er hat sich einfach von der Leine gemacht.

informal

"Die Leinen kappen"

— To break all connections with someone or something.

Er hat alle Leinen zu seiner alten Heimat gekappt.

figurative

間違えやすい

die Leine vs Leine

Sounds like 'line'.

Leine is specifically a leash or clothesline, while 'Linie' is a geometric line or a bus line.

Die Buslinie 10 (not Busleine).

die Leine vs Liane

Similar spelling.

A Liane is a tropical climbing plant (liana/vine).

Tarzan schwingt an einer Liane.

die Leine vs Leihen

Similar sound.

Leihen is a verb meaning 'to lend' or 'to borrow'.

Kannst du mir Geld leihen?

die Leine vs Leine (River)

Identical spelling.

It is a proper name for a river in Germany.

Hannover liegt an der Leine.

die Leine vs Leimen

Similar sound.

Leimen is a verb meaning 'to glue'.

Ich muss den Stuhl leimen.

文型パターン

Der Hund ist [Adjektiv] an der Leine.

Der Hund ist ruhig an der Leine.

Ich hänge [Substantiv] auf die Leine.

Ich hänge die Socken auf die Leine.

Man muss den Hund [Präpositionalphrase] anleinen.

Man muss den Hund im Wald anleinen.

Er hält jemanden an der [Adjektiv] Leine.

Er hält seinen Sohn an der kurzen Leine.

Die [Substantiv] hängen an einer seidenen Leine.

Die Hoffnungen hängen an einer seidenen Leine.

Es bedarf einer [Substantiv], um die Leine zu sichern.

Es bedarf einer speziellen Vorrichtung, um die Leine zu sichern.

Zieh [Nomen]!

Zieh Leine!

Die Reißleine [Verb].

Die Reißleine wurde gezogen.

語族

名詞

die Hundeleine

die Wäscheleine

die Rollleine

die Schleppleine

die Reißleine

die Ankerleine

動詞

anleinen

ableinen

leinen (rare)

形容詞

leinenfrei

angeleint

使い方

frequency

High in daily life, especially for pet owners and householders.

よくある間違い

Ich trage eine Leine. → Ich trage Leinen (Kleidung).
You said you are wearing a dog leash instead of linen clothes.
Der Hund ist an die Leine. → Der Hund ist an der Leine.
You used the accusative for a static location. Use dative 'der' instead.
Zieh an die Leine! → Zieh an der Leine!
The verb 'ziehen' with a leash requires 'an' + dative.
Die Wäsche ist auf die Leine. → Die Wäsche ist auf der Leine.
Laundry 'is' (static) on the line, so use dative 'der'.
Ich brauche ein Seil für meinen Hund. → Ich brauche eine Leine für meinen Hund.
A 'Seil' is a heavy rope. A dog uses a 'Leine'.

ヒント

Case Mastery

Remember: 'an die Leine' (accusative) for putting it on, 'an der Leine' (dative) for being on it. This applies to almost all leash-related sentences.

Compound Power

German loves compounds. If you know 'Leine', you already know half of 'Hundeleine', 'Wäscheleine', and 'Rollleine'.

Respect the Sign

In Germany, 'Leinenzwang' is serious. Even if your dog is friendly, always use a leash where the sign says so to avoid fines.

Use with Caution

'Zieh Leine!' is effective but rude. Use it only if you really want someone to leave you alone and don't care about being polite.

The 'L' Shape

Visualize a long leash forming the letter 'L' for Leine. It helps connect the shape to the word.

Laundry Etiquette

If you share a 'Wäscheleine' in an apartment building, always remove your clothes promptly once they are dry.

Control Imagery

When you hear 'kurze Leine', imagine someone holding a leash very tight. It perfectly captures the feeling of being over-managed.

Boating Basics

If you go sailing in Germany, 'Leinen los!' is the first command you'll need to know to start your journey.

Emergency Ripcord

The 'Reißleine' is a great metaphor for 'aborting' a plan. Use it in business meetings to sound more like a native speaker.

The Final E

Don't drop the final 'e'. It's 'Lei-ne', not 'Lein'. Dropping the 'e' makes it sound like the material linen.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of a 'LINE' that you use to 'LEASH' a dog. LEINE sounds like LINE with an extra 'e'.

視覚的連想

Imagine a dog walking on a bright yellow 'LINE' painted on the ground. That line is the 'LEINE'.

Word Web

Hund Wäsche Park ziehen festmachen Halsband spazieren Kontrolle

チャレンジ

Try to find three different compound words ending in '-leine' in a German online shop for pet supplies.

語源

From Middle High German 'līne' and Old High German 'līna', which originally meant a rope made of flax (linen).

元の意味： A flaxen cord or rope.

Germanic, related to the English 'line' and Latin 'linea'.

文化的な背景

Be careful with the slang 'Zieh Leine!' as it can be quite aggressive or rude depending on the tone.

In the US or UK, leash laws exist but are often less strictly enforced in rural areas compared to the German 'Ordnung'. The term 'ripcord' is the direct equivalent of 'Reißleine'.

The phrase 'Leinen los!' is a classic starting signal in German maritime films. The river 'Leine' flows through Hannover, though the name has a different etymological origin. In many German fairy tales, a 'goldene Leine' might appear as a magical object.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

In the Park

Ist Leinenzwang?
Hund anleinen!
Lange Leine?
Leine halten.

At Home

Wäscheleine spannen.
Auf die Leine hängen.
Leine gerissen.
Neue Leine kaufen.

On a Boat

Leinen los!
Leine festmachen.
Die Leine einholen.
Sicherheitsleine.

In the Office (Metaphorical)

Kurze Leine.
Lange Leine.
Reißleine ziehen.
An die Leine legen.

In the Street (Slang)

Zieh Leine!
Mach Leine!
Von der Leine machen.
Leine ziehen.

会話のきっかけ

"Muss ich meinen Hund in diesem Viertel an der Leine führen?"

"Welche Art von Leine benutzt du für dein Training?"

"Hast du schon die Wäsche auf die Leine gehängt?"

"Warum ziehen manche Hunde so stark an der Leine?"

"Glaubst du, der Chef lässt uns bei diesem Projekt an der langen Leine?"

日記のテーマ

Beschreibe einen Spaziergang mit einem Hund, der ständig an der Leine zieht.

Warum ist die Wäscheleine in Deutschland beliebter als der Trockner?

Erzähle von einer Situation, in der du die 'Reißleine ziehen' musstest.

Sollte es überall in der Stadt einen Leinenzwang geben? Warum oder warum nicht?

Was bedeutet 'Freiheit' für dich im Vergleich zum Bild einer Leine?

よくある質問

10 問

A 'Leine' is generally thicker and used for leading animals or hanging laundry. A 'Schnur' is thinner, like string or twine used for packages or crafts. You wouldn't walk a large dog on a 'Schnur' because it might break.

Yes, 'die Leine' is always feminine. However, 'das Leinen' (the fabric) is neuter. This is a very important distinction to avoid confusion.

Yes, if you have a cat leash, you call it a 'Katzenleine'. The word is applicable to any animal leash.

It means 'to get lost' or 'to leave'. It's often used when you are annoyed with someone and want them to go away immediately.

The most common term is 'Rollleine'. You might also hear 'Flexileine', which is a brand name that became a generic term, similar to 'Kleenex' for tissues.

It is the legal obligation to keep your dog on a leash in certain areas. Signs in parks often indicate where this rule applies.

It's a compound of 'Wäsche' (laundry) and 'Leine' (line). It's the standard way to refer to the cord used for drying clothes.

No, a line of people is 'eine Schlange' (a snake/queue) or 'eine Reihe' (a row). 'Leine' only refers to a physical cord or strap.

It is a very long leash (often 5-15 meters) used for dog training, allowing the dog to move far away while still being attached.

It is used in sailing and sometimes in kite-flying ('Lenkleine'), but for climbing, 'Seil' is the correct term.

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