01
der See
lake
A large, standing body of water in a depression on the land surface, surrounded by land.
example
Im Sommer fahren wir oft zum Schwimmen an den See.
In summer, we often go to the lake to swim.
der See
lake
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Meanings
Usage tips
Careful: article changes meaning
The word 'See' has a completely different meaning depending on the article. 'Der See' (masculine) is an inland body of water, like a lake in the mountains. 'Die See' (feminine) means the sea or the oceans.
EXAMPLE
Der Chiemsee ist der größte See in Bayern.
Lake Chiemsee is the largest lake in Bavaria.
Prepositions: location and direction
To describe a location at the lake, you use 'am See' (at the lake) with dative. To express movement toward it, you use 'an den See' (to the lake) with accusative.
EXAMPLE
Wir treffen uns am See.
We're meeting at the lake.
Common in names
The word 'See' is often the second part of proper names for lakes or of compound nouns. This can often help you recognize that it refers to a lake.
EXAMPLE
Der Bodensee grenzt an Deutschland, Österreich und die Schweiz.
Lake Constance borders Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Compare with
See vs Meer
sea
'der See' and 'das Meer' are both large bodies of water, but they are not the same thing. 'Der See' is located on land and is surrounded by land, for example a swimming lake. 'Das Meer' is the large body of salt water that surrounds countries and continents. Learners often confuse the words because both can be places for swimming or travel. Also pay attention to the article: 'der See' is a lake inland, while 'das Meer' is the sea or coastal region with salt water.
See
Am Wochenende fahren wir an den See und schwimmen dort.
At the weekend, we are going to the lake and will swim there.
Meer
Im Sommer macht Sofia Urlaub am Meer.
In summer, Sofia goes on vacation by the sea.
In real life
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