noun
match
B1
Streichholz (das) means a match used to light fires (a wooden or safety match). Main translation: 'match'. Noun with plural 'Streichhölzer' (umlaut + -er). Genitive singular 'des Streichholzes'. Regular usage in 'ein Streichholz anzünden'. No special preposition; neuter gender. Often sold in boxes; handle carefully because flammable.
Examples
Hast du ein Streichholz, um die Kerze anzuzünden?
Do you have a match to light the candle?
Gib mir bitte ein Streichholz.
Please give me a match.
Das Kind spielte nicht mit dem Streichholz, weil die Eltern den Gebrauch gefährlich fanden.
The child did not play with the match because the parents considered its use dangerous.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a small wooden stick with a red tip being struck to make a flame
Think 'strike' (to light) — you strike a match
Das Streichholz — imagine a neutral little tool (das) lying on a table
Notes
Plural is Streichhölzer (umlaut). Often used with Feuerzeug (lighter) as an alternative.