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Balken

beam, joist

noun BAL-ken Rare

Also means

bar (graphic, e.g. on a chart)

Usage Note

Balken is a structural beam of wood or steel. The biblical idiom den Balken im eigenen Auge nicht sehen (not seeing the beam in one's own eye) keeps the word in everyday speech.

Examples

"Über der Decke verlaufen dicke hölzerne Balken."

Natural Translation

Thick wooden beams run above the ceiling.

Literal Translation

Over the ceiling run thick wooden beams.

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