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How to Say ‘I need a tape measure.’ in German

Ich brauche ein Maßband.

ikh brow-chuh ine MAHS-bahnt

[ikh brow-chuh ine MAHS-bahnt]

💬 Usage Tip: Maßband is a das word, so "a" is ein and stays ein after brauche. A der word would change, as in Ich brauche einen Hammer.

Phrase Breakdown

Ich brauche

ikh brow-chuh

I need

This comes from 'brauchen' (to need). The 'ch' after 'au' is throaty.

Example

Ich brauche Hilfe.

I need help.

Words in this phrase

Ich

[ikh]

The pronoun 'ich' in nominative form.

Example

Ich bin da.

I am here.

brauche

[brow-chuh]

need

To require something because it is essential.

Example

Ich brauche einen Cocktail, um zu entspannen.

I need a cocktail to relax.

ein Maßband.

ine MAHS-bahnt

a tape measure.

'Maßband' is neuter: 'das Maßband'. It combines 'Maß' (measure) and 'Band' (tape), and the final 'd' sounds like 't'.

Example

Hast du ein Maßband?

Do you have a tape measure?

Words in this phrase

ein

[ine]

The indefinite article 'ein'.

Example

Ich brauche ein Auto.

I need a car.

Maßband

[MAHS-bahnt]

tape measure

Flexible band for measuring length; neuter: das Maßband.

Example

Das Maßband liegt im Schrank.

The tape measure is in the cupboard.

Guides for German learners

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