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die Büchse
can
A cylindrical metal container in which food is preserved; a tin can.
example
Für den Salat brauchen wir noch eine Büchse Mais.
For the salad, we still need a can of corn.
die Büchse
can / rifle
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
You can almost always recognize the meaning of 'Büchse' (can, rifle, collection box) from the context. If it is about food, it means a tin can. If it is about hunting or shooting, it means a rifle. If it is about money, it means a piggy bank or collection box.
EXAMPLE
Ich öffne eine Büchse Bohnen für das Chili.
I'm opening a can of beans for the chili.
Regional usage
For a tin can, the word 'die Dose' (the can) is used more often in large parts of Germany and in Austria. 'Die Büchse' (the can) can sound somewhat regional or old-fashioned in this context.
EXAMPLE
Er hat immer ein paar Büchsen mit Suppe im Vorratsschrank.
He always has a few cans of soup in the pantry.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'container for money', 'Büchse' (collection box) is often part of compound words. The most common are 'die Spendenbüchse' (donation box) and 'die Sammelbüchse' (collection box).
EXAMPLE
Für die Klassenfahrt wurde eine Sammelbüchse aufgestellt.
A collection box was set up for the class trip.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'die Büchse der Pandora öffnen' (to open Pandora's box) is a fixed expression from Greek mythology. It is always used in this form and means to trigger an action that leads to unforeseeable and serious trouble.
EXAMPLE
Mit seiner unbedachten Frage öffnete der Journalist die Büchse der Pandora.
With his thoughtless question, the journalist opened Pandora's box.
Compare with
Büchse vs Dose
can / container / socket
'die Dose' and 'die Büchse' can both mean a small or cylindrical container. For food, 'Dose' is very common, for example for tomatoes or beans in metal packaging. 'Büchse' can also mean a tin can, but it sounds somewhat different depending on the region or situation. In addition, 'Büchse' is often used for certain collection containers, such as 'eine Spendenbüchse' (a donation box). Learners may confuse the words because both refer to containers. As a practical rule: for food and storage, 'Dose' is usually the more neutral word.
Büchse
Am Ausgang steht eine Büchse für Spenden.
There is a donation box at the exit.
Dose
Für die Suppe öffnet Lena eine Dose Tomaten.
For the soup, Lena opens a can of tomatoes.
In real life
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