01
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
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Meanings
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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 Fass
barrel
'das Fass' and 'das Gefäss' both refer to something in which you can keep liquids or other substances. 'Gefäss' is the more general term: a vase, a bowl, or a pot can be a Gefäss. 'Fass' is more specific. It is a large, usually bulging container, often for wine, beer, or oil. The words can be confused because every Fass is also a kind of Gefäss. But not every Gefäss is a Fass. When shape, size, and typical storage are important, 'Fass' is more precise.
Gefäss
Für die Suppe nimmt Lisa ein tiefes Gefäss aus Glas.
For the soup, Lisa takes a deep glass container.
Fass
Heute bringt mein Bruder ein kleines Fass Bier für die Feier mit.
Today my brother is bringing a small barrel of beer for the party.
In real life
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