well / fountain
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well / fountain
A structure for obtaining groundwater (draw well) or a decorative installation with jets of water (fountain).
Auf dem Marktplatz steht ein alter Brunnen mit einer steinernen Figur.
There is an old fountain with a stone figure in the marketplace.
source
In a figurative sense, a source or origin of something.
Dieses Buch ist ein Brunnen der Inspiration für Künstler.
This book is a source of inspiration for artists.
In German, people often distinguish between two kinds of 'Brunnen' (well/fountain). A 'Springbrunnen' (fountain) is a decorative installation with jets of water, while a 'Ziehbrunnen' (draw well) is dug deep into the ground to get groundwater.
Die Kinder spielten am Springbrunnen im Park.
The children played by the fountain in the park.
The figurative meaning of 'Brunnen' (source) is mainly used in elevated or poetic language. In normal everyday speech, this use is rare.
Seine Lebenserfahrung war ein Brunnen der Weisheit für uns alle.
His life experience was a source of wisdom for all of us.
In the figurative meaning, 'Brunnen' (source) is almost always followed by a noun in the genitive that describes what it is the source of. The pattern is: 'ein Brunnen der/des [noun]' (a source of [noun]).
Ihre Freundlichkeit ist ein Brunnen der Freude.
Her kindness is a source of joy.
source
A Quelle is a natural place where water emerges from the ground. A Brunnen, by contrast, is a constructed structure for obtaining groundwater or a decorative water feature. So Quelle is used for naturally emerging water, while Brunnen refers to a constructed installation.
Am Waldrand holen die Bewohner Wasser aus einem gebauten Brunnen.
At the edge of the forest, the residents draw water from a well.
Am Waldrand tritt Wasser aus einer natürlichen Quelle hervor.
Water emerges from a natural spring at the edge of the forest.
