der Bau
construction
The process of erecting a building or another structure.
EXAMPLE
Der Bau der neuen Brücke wird voraussichtlich zwei Jahre dauern.
The construction of the new bridge is expected to take two years.
der Bau
construction / building
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Meanings
der Bau
building
A building or constructed structure, especially when it is large or impressive.
EXAMPLE
Das Museum ist ein moderner Bau aus Glas und Stahl.
The museum is a modern building made of glass and steel.
der Bau
construction site
A colloquial term for a construction site.
EXAMPLE
Die Arbeiter auf dem Bau machen gerade Mittagspause.
The workers on the construction site are taking their lunch break right now.
der Bau
den / burrow
The underground or sheltered dwelling of certain animals, such as foxes or badgers.
EXAMPLE
Der Fuchs zog sich schnell in seinen Bau zurück.
The fox quickly retreated into its den.
der Bau
jail
A colloquial, casual term for a prison.
EXAMPLE
Wegen des Diebstahls musste er für ein Jahr in den Bau.
Because of the theft, he had to go to jail for a year.
der Bau
build
The structure or physique of a person or animal.
EXAMPLE
Der Athlet hatte einen kräftigen und muskulösen Bau.
The athlete had a strong and muscular build.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Bau' (construction/building) is directly derived from the verb 'bauen' (to build). This connection helps you understand the basic meaning of erecting something and the structure that results from it.
EXAMPLE
Wir bauen ein Haus.
We are building a house.
Context clue
The many meanings of 'Bau' can often be recognized by the preposition. 'Auf dem Bau' means a construction site, 'im Bau sein' means 'to be under construction', and 'in den Bau gehen' is colloquial for 'to go to prison'.
EXAMPLE
Mein Bruder arbeitet auf dem Bau.
My brother works on a construction site.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'im Bau sein' (to be under construction) is often used to express that something is currently being built or created. It can refer to buildings, but also to projects such as a website.
EXAMPLE
Das neue Einkaufszentrum ist seit einem Jahr im Bau.
The new shopping center has been under construction for a year.
Register: colloquial
Using 'der Bau' for 'die Baustelle' (construction site) is colloquial. In formal texts or announcements, you are more likely to find the word 'Baustelle'.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Bau wird heute nicht gearbeitet.
No work is being done on the construction site today.
Animal world
In the context of animals, 'der Bau' refers to their underground dwelling. It is often used in compound words such as 'Fuchsbau' (fox den) or 'Dachsbau' (badger sett).
EXAMPLE
Der Dachs verschwand in seinem Bau im Wald.
The badger disappeared into its den in the forest.
Register: casual
The term 'der Bau' for 'das Gefängnis' (prison) is a casual, colloquial expression. It is often used in films or informal conversations.
EXAMPLE
Er saß zwei Jahre im Bau.
He spent two years in jail.
Compare with
Bau vs Gebäude
building
Das Gebäude is the neutral term for a completed building with a roof and walls. Der Bau can refer to the same object, but it often sounds more marked and particularly emphasizes its size or impressive design. For a factual, neutral description, Gebäude is therefore usually the better choice.
Bau
Der gewaltige Bau am Marktplatz beeindruckt mit seiner hohen Fassade.
The imposing building on the market square is impressive with its tall facade.
Gebäude
Das neue Gebäude am Marktplatz enthält Büros und mehrere Geschäfte.
The new building on the market square contains offices and several shops.
In real life
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