die Fensterbank
windowsill
A horizontal surface at the bottom of a window where you can place plants or other objects, for example.
EXAMPLE
Die Fensterbank ist breit genug für drei Blumentöpfe.
The windowsill is wide enough for three flowerpots.
die Fensterbank
windowsill
die Fensterbank, die Fensterbänke
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Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Fensterbank, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Fensterbänke |
| genitive | der Fensterbank |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Fensterbank | die Fensterbänke |
| accusative | die Fensterbank | die Fensterbänke |
| dative | der Fensterbank | den Fensterbänken |
| genitive | der Fensterbank | der Fensterbänke |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Fensterbank' (windowsill) is made up of 'Fenster' (window) and 'Bank' (bench). The component 'Bank' helps you picture a long, narrow surface, but a windowsill is usually not intended for sitting on.
EXAMPLE
Auf der schmalen Fensterbank steht eine kleine Vase.
There is a small vase on the narrow windowsill.
Location and direction
Use 'auf' (on) for objects on this surface. A location takes the dative ('auf der Fensterbank' — on the windowsill), while a destination when placing something takes the accusative ('auf die Fensterbank' — onto the windowsill).
EXAMPLE
Die Kräutertöpfe stehen auf der Fensterbank.
The pots of herbs are on the windowsill.
Ich stelle die Kräutertöpfe auf die Fensterbank.
I put the pots of herbs on the windowsill.
Typical collocations
When cleaning, 'die Fensterbank abwischen' (to wipe down the windowsill) and 'die Fensterbank putzen' (to clean the windowsill) are typical collocations. 'Feucht abwischen' (to wipe with a damp cloth) describes cleaning with a slightly wet cloth.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Umtopfen wische ich die Fensterbank feucht ab.
After repotting the plants, I wipe down the windowsill with a damp cloth.
In real life
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