die Box
box
A container, usually box-shaped, for storing or transporting objects.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe die alten Fotos in einer Box auf dem Dachboden verstaut.
I stored the old photos in a box in the attic.
die Box
box
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Meanings
die Box
speaker
A speaker or speaker box for playing music or sound.
EXAMPLE
Für die Party brauchen wir noch ein paar gute Boxen.
We still need a few good speakers for the party.
die Box
box / stall
A separated area for a specific purpose, for example a stall for a horse ('Pferdebox') or the service area in a car race ('Boxengasse').
EXAMPLE
Der Rennfahrer fuhr für einen Reifenwechsel in die Box.
The race car driver drove into the pit for a tire change.
die Box
box / router
An electronic device for receiving internet or television, provided by the service provider, such as a router or set-top box.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss die Box neu starten, weil das Internet nicht funktioniert.
I have to restart the router because the internet isn't working.
Usage tips
Origin of the word
'Box' is a loanword from English. It has been fully integrated into the German language and, like many one-syllable loanwords, has taken the feminine article 'die'.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir bitte die Box mit den Werkzeugen geben?
Can you please give me the box with the tools?
Context clue
Which meaning of 'Box' is intended is almost always clear from context. If you're talking about music, it means a speaker; if you're talking about the internet, it means the router.
EXAMPLE
Die Musik klingt super, du hast echt gute Boxen!
The music sounds great; you really have good speakers!
Typical compounds
As a container, 'Box' is often part of a compound that describes the purpose more precisely. Examples are 'Aufbewahrungsbox' (storage box), 'Transportbox' (transport box), or 'Brotdose' (lunch box, literally a special box for bread).
EXAMPLE
Für den Umzug brauchen wir noch einige stabile Transportboxen.
We still need a few sturdy transport boxes for the move.
Colloquial use
When 'Box' means a speaker, it is rather colloquial. In technical descriptions or specialist stores, the word 'Lautsprecher' (speaker) is usually used.
EXAMPLE
Schließ mal dein Handy an die Boxen an!
Connect your phone to the speakers!
Sports and animals
In this context, 'Box' refers to a clearly separated area. For horses it is the 'Pferdebox' (horse stall), and in motorsports the 'Boxengasse' (pit lane) is the area for the 'Boxenstopp' (pit stop).
EXAMPLE
Das Rennauto muss zum Reifenwechsel an die Box.
The race car has to go to the pit for a tire change.
Compare with
Box vs Kasten
box / crate
Box and Kasten can refer to the same kind of small, rectangular storage container. There is often no clear factual difference between them; what matters is which term is customary for the particular object. That is why both words are possible in many everyday situations.
Box
Ich bewahre die Schrauben in einer kleinen Box auf.
I keep the screws in a small box.
Kasten
Ich bewahre die Schrauben in einem kleinen Kasten auf.
I keep the screws in a small box.
In real life
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