der Becher
cup
A small drinking vessel, usually without a handle, often made of plastic, cardboard, or ceramic.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir einen Becher Wasser geben?
Can you give me a cup of water?
der Becher
cup
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Meanings
der Becher
container
A package for certain foods, especially dairy products such as yogurt or cream.
EXAMPLE
Im Kühlschrank steht noch ein Becher Joghurt.
There is still a container of yogurt in the fridge.
Usage tips
Context clue
Whether a 'Becher' (cup/container) is a drinking vessel or a package can be recognized from the contents. If people are talking about drinks like water or juice, it is a drinking vessel. If they are talking about foods like yogurt or cream, it is the packaging.
EXAMPLE
Für die Party brauchen wir noch Plastikbecher für die Getränke.
For the party, we still need plastic cups for the drinks.
Typical materials
As a drinking vessel, 'Becher' (cup) is often combined with the material it is made of. Typical examples are 'Plastikbecher' (plastic cup), 'Pappbecher' (paper cup), or also the 'Kaffeebecher' (coffee cup) for on the go.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Festival gab es nur Getränke in Mehrwegbechern.
At the festival, there were only drinks in reusable cups.
Typical foods
As packaging, the 'Becher' (container) is typical for many dairy products. Common combinations are 'ein Becher Joghurt' (a container of yogurt), 'ein Becher Sahne' (a container of cream), or 'ein Becher Quark' (a container of quark).
EXAMPLE
Für das Rezept benötige ich einen Becher Schmand.
For the recipe, I need a container of sour cream.
Compare with
Becher vs Glas
glass / jar
A handleless drinking vessel made of glass can be called both “Glas” and “Becher.” “Glas” emphasizes the material and the usual type of vessel, while “Becher” focuses more on the cup-like shape and is also commonly used for other materials. With a glass cup, both words are therefore possible.
Becher
Sie trank das Wasser aus einem hohen Becher aus Glas.
She drank the water from a tall glass cup.
Glas
Sie trank das Wasser aus einem schlichten Glas ohne Henkel.
She drank the water from a simple glass without a handle.
In real life
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