das Leine, -n

Definition & meaning

The word Leinen has two primary meanings in German:

1. Linen (Textile): It refers to a type of fabric made from the fibers of the flax plant. It is commonly used for clothing, bed sheets, tablecloths, and towels.
2. Leash/Lead (Animal control): It refers to a cord, strap, or chain used to hold or restrain an animal, most commonly a dog.

Grammar & Word origin

• Grammar:

  • As a textile (noun, neuter): das Leinen. It is usually used in the singular.
  • As a leash (noun, feminine): die Leine. The plural form is die Leinen.
  • As a verb: leinen (to leash/to tie).

• Word origin:

  • The textile sense comes from the Old High German linin, which relates to the Latin linum (flax/linen).
  • The sense of a leash is derived from the Middle High German leine, referring to a cord or line used for guidance or binding.

Synonyms & antonyms

For the textile (das Leinen):

• Synonyms: Flachsgewebe↗, Leinenstoff↗.

For the leash (die Leine):

• Synonyms: Führleine↗, Hundeleine↗, Strick↗.
• Antonyms: Freilauf↗ (referring to the state of being off the leash).