01
der Mülleimer
trash can
A container into which you throw waste that accumulates at home or in the office.
example
Wirf den leeren Joghurtbecher bitte in den Mülleimer.
Please throw the empty yogurt cup into the trash can.
der Mülleimer
trash can / recycle bin
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word composition
'Der Mülleimer' (trash can) is a compound noun made up of 'der Müll' (trash/waste) and 'der Eimer' (bucket/container). Literally, then, it is a 'waste bucket'.
EXAMPLE
Der Mülleimer in der Küche ist schon wieder voll.
The trash can in the kitchen is full again already.
Correct preposition
Pay attention to the case after the preposition 'in'. Movement is expressed with the accusative ('in den Mülleimer werfen' — to throw into the trash can), while a state or position requires the dative ('im Mülleimer sein' — to be in the trash can).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe den Zettel aus Versehen in den Mülleimer geworfen.
I accidentally threw the note into the trash can.
Regional variants
In Austria, the word 'der Mistkübel' (trash can) is also very common for 'Mülleimer' (trash can). In Switzerland, you often hear 'der Abfalleimer' (trash can).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du das bitte in den Mistkübel werfen?
Can you please throw that into the trash can?
Context clue
When the topic is computers, you can recognize this meaning from words like 'Datei' (file), 'Ordner' (folder), 'löschen' (to delete), 'verschieben' (to move), or 'wiederherstellen' (to restore). The virtual trash can is also often called 'Papierkorb' (recycle bin).
EXAMPLE
Um die Datei endgültig zu löschen, musst du den Mülleimer leeren.
To delete the file permanently, you have to empty the recycle bin.
Compare with
Mülleimer vs Tonne
bin / ton
'die Tonne' and 'der Mülleimer' are both containers for waste. 'Mülleimer' is usually used for smaller containers in an apartment, office, or room. 'Tonne' more often means a large waste bin, often outside in front of the house, which is emptied later. The words can be confused because both have to do with trash. In a room, you throw paper into the 'Mülleimer'; outside, you take the trash to the 'Tonne'.
Mülleimer
Unter dem Schreibtisch steht ein kleiner Mülleimer für Papier.
There is a small trash can for paper under the desk.
Tonne
Noah hat die braune Tonne nach dem Essen vor das Haus gestellt.
After the meal, Noah put the brown bin in front of the house.
In real life
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