01
der Kasten
box
A usually rectangular container made of wood, plastic, or metal for storing or transporting objects.
example
Die alten Fotos sind in einem Kasten auf dem Dachboden.
The old photos are in a box in the attic.
der Kasten
box / crate
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Productive compounds
The base word 'Kasten' (box) is part of many useful words that describe a container for a specific purpose. Examples are 'Briefkasten' (mailbox), 'Werkzeugkasten' (toolbox), 'Sandkasten' (sandbox), or 'Sicherungskasten' (fuse box).
EXAMPLE
Hast du schon in den Briefkasten geschaut?
Have you already checked the mailbox?
Diminutive 'Kästchen'
The diminutive form 'das Kästchen' (little box) is very often used for small containers, for example for jewelry or tea bags.
EXAMPLE
Sie bewahrt ihre Ringe in einem kleinen Schmuckkästchen auf.
She keeps her rings in a small jewelry box.
Context clue for drinks
When 'Kasten' (crate) means a container for bottles, the contents are almost always mentioned. Typical phrases are 'ein Kasten Bier' (a crate of beer), 'ein Kasten Wein' (a crate of wine), or 'ein Kasten Saft' (a crate of juice).
EXAMPLE
Für die Party brauchen wir noch einen Kasten Bier.
We still need a crate of beer for the party.
Register: colloquial
The use of 'Kasten' (TV) for a television set is colloquial. You can often recognize this meaning from verbs like 'gucken' (to watch), 'schauen' (to watch), or 'laufen' (to be on).
EXAMPLE
Was läuft heute Abend im Kasten?
What's on TV tonight?
Register: sports language
In sports, especially soccer, 'Kasten' (goal) is a colloquial expression for the goal. A goalkeeper who does not concede a goal 'hält seinen Kasten sauber' (keeps a clean sheet).
EXAMPLE
Der Stürmer schoss den Ball unhaltbar in den Kasten.
The striker shot the ball unstoppably into the goal.
Compare with
Kasten vs Tor
gate / goal
'das Tor' and 'der Kasten' can both mean the place in sports where the ball or puck is supposed to be played. 'das Tor' is the normal and precise word, especially when talking about soccer, handball, or ice hockey. 'der Kasten' is colloquial and sounds more casual, often in conversations about soccer. Learners may confuse the words because both can refer to the same object. In neutral or official situations, 'Tor' is more natural; 'Kasten' fits better in casual sports language.
Kasten
Der Torwart stellte sich ruhig in den Kasten.
The goalkeeper calmly took his place in the goal.
Tor
Der Ball flog knapp über das Tor.
The ball flew just over the goal.
In real life
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