die Dose
can
A cylindrical metal container in which food or drinks are sealed airtight.
EXAMPLE
Ich öffne eine Dose Tomaten für die Soße.
I'm opening a can of tomatoes for the sauce.
die Dose
can / container / socket
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Meanings
die Dose
container / tin
A smaller container, usually with a lid, for storing various things such as candy, tobacco, or jewelry.
EXAMPLE
In der alten Keksdose bewahrt sie ihre Nähsachen auf.
She keeps her sewing things in the old cookie tin.
die Dose
socket
A colloquial term for a wall socket into which you plug the plug of an electrical device.
EXAMPLE
Ist hier irgendwo eine freie Dose für mein Ladekabel?
Is there a free socket anywhere here for my charging cable?
die Dose
electrical box
A technical and colloquial term for a box in which electrical wires are connected or distributed, such as a junction box or distribution box.
EXAMPLE
Der Elektriker musste die Dose in der Decke öffnen, um die Lampe anzuschließen.
The electrician had to open the box in the ceiling to connect the lamp.
Usage tips
Context clue
The meanings can be clearly distinguished by context. If it is about food, drinks, or storage, it means a container. If it is about electricity, cables, or walls, it means an electrical component.
EXAMPLE
Gib mir bitte die Kekse aus der Dose auf dem Regal.
Please give me the cookies from the tin on the shelf.
Part of compounds
'Dose' is the base word for many things. A 'Konservendose' (food can) contains food, a 'Steckdose' (socket) supplies electricity, and a 'Blechdose' (tin can/metal tin) is a container made of sheet metal. In everyday language, the short form 'Dose' is often used.
EXAMPLE
Für den Campingausflug haben wir viel Dosenfutter gekauft.
We bought a lot of canned food for the camping trip.
Typical collocations
In connection with food packaging, typical phrases are 'eine Dose öffnen' (to open a can), 'etwas aus der Dose essen' (to eat something from a can), or 'eine Dose Konserven' (a can of preserved food).
EXAMPLE
Für eine schnelle Mahlzeit gibt es heute Ravioli aus der Dose.
For a quick meal, today we're having ravioli from a can.
Colloquial use
The use of 'Dose' for 'Steckdose' (socket) is very common, but it is considered colloquial. In formal or technical texts, 'Steckdose' is always written.
EXAMPLE
Steck den Stecker bitte in die Dose da drüben.
Please plug the plug into the socket over there.
Compare with
Dose vs Schachtel
box
Dose and Schachtel can both be small containers with lids. A Dose is usually sturdy and can be made of metal; a Schachtel is typically cuboid and made of cardboard or thin card. Choose the word according to the container’s shape and material.
Dose
Sie bewahrt den Schmuck in einer kleinen Dose aus Metall auf.
She keeps the jewelry in a small metal tin.
Schachtel
Sie bewahrt den Schmuck in einer kleinen Schachtel aus Pappe auf.
She keeps the jewelry in a small cardboard box.
In real life
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