01
die Mulde
hollow
A shallow, usually gently sloping depression in the ground or in a surface.
example
Nach dem Regen sammelte sich das Wasser in einer Mulde auf der Wiese.
After the rain, water collected in a hollow in the meadow.
die Mulde
hollow / trough
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Use with prepositions
The preposition 'in' is used with the dative or accusative depending on the situation. 'In der Mulde' (in the hollow/trough; dative) describes a position, while 'in die Mulde' (into the hollow/trough; accusative) expresses movement toward it.
EXAMPLE
Das kleine Dorf liegt geschützt in einer Mulde.
The small village lies sheltered in a hollow.
Typical collocations
In a geographical context, 'Mulde' (hollow) is often described with adjectives such as 'flach' (shallow), 'sanft' (gentle), or 'tief' (deep). Typical verbs are 'sich bilden' (to form) or 'sich befinden' (to be located).
EXAMPLE
Hinter dem Hügel befindet sich eine sanfte Mulde.
Behind the hill there is a gentle hollow.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning 'Behälter' (container) from words that point to the contents or use. These include, for example, 'Mörtel' (mortar), 'Zement' (cement), 'Futter' (feed), or verbs like 'mischen' (to mix) and 'füllen' (to fill).
EXAMPLE
Der Bauer füllte Futter in die Mulde für die Schweine.
The farmer filled the trough with feed for the pigs.
Compare with
Mulde vs Loch
hole
'das Loch' and 'die Mulde' can both describe a depression in a surface. The difference lies in the shape and depth. A 'Loch' often seems deeper or more clearly open; sometimes material is actually missing. A 'Mulde' is more shallow, rounded, or gently curved downward. The words can be confused when talking about a damaged road, soil, or a surface. In practical terms: if you can look into it or put your hand into it and it seems like an opening, you are more likely to say 'Loch'. If the spot is only shallowly pressed in, 'Mulde' fits better.
Mulde
Nach dem Regen blieb Wasser in einer flachen Mulde auf dem Weg stehen.
After the rain, water remained standing in a shallow hollow on the path.
Loch
Im Fahrradreifen ist ein kleines Loch, deshalb ist er wieder platt.
There is a small hole in the bicycle tire, so it is flat again.
In real life
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