die Leiste, -n
strip · baseboard
Definition & meaning
Leiste has several meanings, depending on context:
- A narrow, elongated strip or bar, often made of wood, metal, or plastic. It may be functional or decorative—for example, a trim strip along a wall or floor.
- A toolbar or menu bar in a computer program or on a website.
- The groin: the area where the abdomen meets the upper thigh.
- A shoemaker’s last: the shaped form used to make or repair a shoe.
Grammar & Word origin
Leiste is a feminine noun: die Leiste. Its plural is die Leisten.
It is an old German word associated with a strip, track, or narrow elongated shape. It is not a modern compound with separable parts.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms depend on the sense:
- For a physical strip: der Streifen is a general strip or band; die Zierleiste specifically means decorative trim.
- For a computer interface: die Symbolleiste is a bar of icons; die Werkzeugleiste is a bar of tools or commands.
- For the body area: die Leistengegend is a more explicit term for the groin region.
- For the shoemaking sense: der Schuhmacherleisten makes the meaning explicit.
There is no general antonym for Leiste; the word names different kinds of objects or a body area rather than a quality with an opposite.
Common phrases & collocations
Make “Leiste” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Die Leiste am Fenster hat einen Riss und braucht eine neue Befestigung.noun
The strip on the window has a crack and needs a new fastening.
Beim Staubsaugen löste sich die Leiste von der Wand.noun
While vacuuming, the baseboard came loose from the wall.
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad