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die Kanne
pot / pitcher
A vessel with a handle and spout that is used for storing and serving liquids such as coffee, tea, or water.
example
Ich mache uns eine frische Kanne Kaffee.
I'll make us a fresh pot of coffee.
die Kanne
pot / loser
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Productive base word
The word 'Kanne' (pot/pitcher) is the base for many useful compound nouns. If you recognize 'Kanne', you can more easily understand words like 'Kaffeekanne' (coffee pot), 'Teekanne' (teapot), or 'Gießkanne' (watering can).
EXAMPLE
Stellst du bitte die Gießkanne wieder in den Schuppen?
Could you please put the watering can back in the shed?
Context clue
The meaning of 'Kanne' (pot/loser) depends heavily on context. If people are talking about drinks or vessels, it means the container. In a colloquial, often insulting context about a person, it is an insult.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir die Kanne mit dem Wasser reichen?
Can you pass me the pitcher of water?
Typical collocations
In connection with drinks, 'Kanne' (pot/pitcher) is often used with verbs like 'kochen' (to brew/boil), 'machen' (to make), or 'aufsetzen' (to put on). People then speak of a 'Kanne voll' (a pot full) or 'einer ganzen Kanne' (a whole pot).
EXAMPLE
Für die Besprechung habe ich eine ganze Kanne Tee gekocht.
I brewed a whole pot of tea for the meeting.
Register: colloquial speech
Using 'Kanne' (loser) to refer to a person is purely colloquial and is perceived as derogatory. You should only use this expression if you understand the connotation exactly, for example among friends in a sports context.
EXAMPLE
Unser Torwart ist heute eine echte Kanne, der hält gar nichts.
Our goalkeeper is a real loser today; he isn't saving anything.
Compare with
Kanne vs Flasche
bottle
'die Flasche' and 'die Kanne' can both be containers for liquids. A bottle usually has a narrow neck and can be closed and transported easily. A pot or pitcher usually has a handle and a spout; it is especially used for serving coffee, tea, or water. The words can be confused because both can hold liquids. Colloquially, both can also be used in a derogatory way for a clumsy person, but this is insulting and should be used carefully.
Kanne
Nach dem Essen brachte Sofia eine Kanne Tee ins Wohnzimmer.
After the meal, Sofia brought a pot of tea into the living room.
Flasche
Im Rucksack ist noch eine Flasche Mineralwasser für unterwegs.
There is still a bottle of mineral water in the backpack for the trip.
In real life
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