01
der Kanal
canal
An artificially constructed waterway for ships or for irrigation.
example
Der Panamakanal verbindet den Atlantik mit dem Pazifik.
The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic with the Pacific.
der Kanal
canal / channel
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The exact meaning of 'Kanal' (canal/channel/sewer) is almost always clear from the context. Words like 'Schiff' (ship) or 'Wasser' (water) point to a waterway, 'Fernseher' (television) or 'senden' (to broadcast) to a TV channel, and 'Abwasser' (wastewater) to the sewer system.
EXAMPLE
Das Boot fährt langsam durch den schmalen Kanal.
The boat moves slowly through the narrow canal.
Sentence structure and usage
When talking about media such as television, radio, or social media, the preposition 'auf' (on) is used. You watch something 'auf einem Kanal' (on a channel) or publish something 'auf seinem Kanal' (on your/his channel).
EXAMPLE
Der Film läuft heute Abend auf Kanal 4.
The film is on Channel 4 tonight.
Colloquial usage
In everyday language, 'Kanal' (sewer) is the usual word for the underground pipe that carries away wastewater. It is used in connection with blockages, repairs, or heavy rain.
EXAMPLE
Die Straße ist überflutet, weil der Kanal das viele Wasser nicht aufnehmen kann.
The street is flooded because the sewer cannot handle all the water.
Technical language
In medicine or biology, 'Kanal' (canal) refers to a tube-shaped structure in the body. You hear this word, for example, at the dentist in connection with a 'Wurzelkanalbehandlung' (root canal treatment).
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt erklärte, dass der Nervenkanal entzündet sei.
The doctor explained that the nerve canal was inflamed.
Compare with
Kanal vs Medium
medium
'das Medium' and 'der Kanal' can both have to do with spreading information. 'Medium' refers more to the general type or means through which information is spread, for example television, radio, newspapers, or the internet. 'Kanal' refers more to a specific route within a medium, for example a TV channel, a radio station, or a social media profile. Learners may confuse the words because both occur in communication and media contexts. A practical way to think about it is: the medium is the larger form, while the channel is often the exact place or route within it.
Kanal
Nach dem Kurs abonniert Anna einen Kanal, auf dem kurze Deutschvideos erscheinen.
After the course, Anna subscribes to a channel that posts short German videos.
Medium
Das Internet ist für viele Menschen das wichtigste Medium, um Nachrichten zu lesen.
For many people, the internet is the most important medium for reading news.
In real life
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