das Gefäss
container
A container used to hold or store liquids or other substances, for example a vase, a pot, or a bowl.
EXAMPLE
Bitte fülle die Suppe in ein grosses Gefäss um.
Please transfer the soup into a large container.
das Gefäss
vessel / container
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
das Gefäss
vessel
In anatomy, a tube-like structure in the body that transports fluids such as blood or lymph.
EXAMPLE
Rauchen kann die Gefässe schädigen und zu Durchblutungsstörungen führen.
Smoking can damage the vessels and lead to circulatory problems.
Usage tips
Regional spelling
The spelling 'Gefäss' with 'ss' is common in Switzerland. In Germany and Austria, the word is written with 'ß' after the spelling reform: 'Gefäß'.
EXAMPLE
In der Schweiz schreibt man „Gefäss“, in Deutschland „Gefäß“.
In Switzerland people write 'Gefäss'; in Germany, 'Gefäß'.
Word family
The word 'Gefäß' comes from the verb 'fassen' (to hold or contain), which means 'halten' (to hold) or 'umfassen' (to enclose). So a vessel is literally something that contains or holds something else inside it.
EXAMPLE
Dieses alte Gefäß fasst genau einen Liter Wasser.
This old vessel holds exactly one liter of water.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning of 'Gefäß' from the context. If it is about the kitchen, garden, or storage, it means a container. If it is about medicine, biology, or the body, it means a vessel, such as a blood vessel.
EXAMPLE
Stell die Blumen bitte in ein Gefäß mit Wasser.
Please put the flowers in a vessel with water.
Typical collocations
When a container is meant, 'Gefäß' is often combined with verbs such as 'füllen' (to fill), 'leeren' (to empty), or 'umfüllen' (to transfer), and with materials such as 'Glas' (glass), 'Ton' (clay), or 'Keramik' (ceramic).
EXAMPLE
Sie füllte die heisse Flüssigkeit in ein hitzebeständiges Gefäß.
She poured the hot liquid into a heat-resistant container.
Typical collocations
In the medical meaning, 'Gefäß' is often combined into words such as 'Blutgefäß' (blood vessel) or 'Lymphgefäß' (lymphatic vessel). Common adjectives in this context are 'verengt' (narrowed), 'erweitert' (dilated), or 'verkalkt' (calcified).
EXAMPLE
Sport hilft, die Blutgefäße elastisch zu halten.
Exercise helps keep the blood vessels elastic.
Compare with
Gefäss vs Behälter
container
Behälter is the general term for objects used to store or transport something. Gefäss usually refers to an object such as a vase, pot, or bowl that holds liquids or other substances. For transport purposes, Behälter is therefore usually the better choice.
Gefäss
Zum Servieren des Wassers stellt Lea ein offenes Gefäss auf den Tisch.
To serve the water, Lea places an open vessel on the table.
Behälter
Für den Transport des Wassers nimmt Lea einen verschliessbaren Behälter.
To transport the water, Lea uses a sealable container.
In real life
Loading video examples...