der Pott
pot
A colloquial term for a large pot, usually used for cooking.
EXAMPLE
Für die Gulaschsuppe brauchen wir den ganz großen Pott.
For the goulash soup, we need the really big pot.
der Pott
pot
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Meanings
der Pott
the Ruhr
A colloquial, often affectionate term for the Ruhr region in Germany.
EXAMPLE
Er ist im Pott aufgewachsen und stolz auf seine Herkunft.
He grew up in the Ruhr and is proud of where he comes from.
der Pott
mug
Colloquial for a large cup or mug, usually for coffee or tea.
EXAMPLE
Ohne meinen morgendlichen Pott Kaffee komme ich nicht in die Gänge.
Without my morning mug of coffee, I can't get going.
der Pott
pot / jackpot
In gambling, especially poker, the total amount of money being played for in a round; the jackpot.
EXAMPLE
Mit einem guten Blatt hat er am Ende den ganzen Pott gewonnen.
With a good hand, he ended up winning the whole pot.
Usage tips
Register: colloquial
The word 'Pott' is used almost exclusively in colloquial language in all of its meanings. In formal or written contexts, you would instead say 'Topf' (pot), 'Tasse' (cup), 'Ruhrgebiet' (Ruhr region), or 'Jackpot' (jackpot).
EXAMPLE
Stell den Pott mit der Suppe auf den Herd!
Put the pot with the soup on the stove!
False friend
Although 'der Pott' looks like the English word 'pot' and shares some meanings with it (cooking pot, gambling winnings), it does not have the very common English meaning of 'marijuana'. This mix-up can lead to major misunderstandings.
EXAMPLE
Beim Pokern hat sie den ganzen Pott gewonnen.
In poker, she won the whole pot.
Context clue
The meaning of 'Pott' can only be understood from context. If it is about cooking, it means a pot. If it is about geography, it means the Ruhr region. If it is about drinks, it means a cup or mug. If it is about games or gambling, it means the winnings.
EXAMPLE
Meine Oma kommt aus dem Pott und ist Fan von Schalke 04.
My grandma comes from the Ruhr and is a fan of Schalke 04.
Regional meaning
As a name for the Ruhr region, 'der Pott' is a fixed and often affectionately used term. Typical expressions are 'aus dem Pott kommen' (to come from the Ruhr) or 'im Pott leben' (to live in the Ruhr).
EXAMPLE
Viele Menschen, die im Pott leben, sind sehr mit ihrer Region verbunden.
Many people who live in the Ruhr feel very connected to their region.
Compare with
Pott vs Tasse
cup
For a vessel used for coffee or tea, both Tasse and Pott can fit. Tasse is the usual term for a relatively small vessel, usually with a handle, whereas Pott is colloquial for a large cup or mug. In neutral standard German, Tasse is usually the more appropriate choice.
Pott
Zum Frühstück trank sie ihren Kaffee aus einem großen Pott.
At breakfast, she drank her coffee from a large mug.
Tasse
Zum Frühstück trank sie ihren Kaffee aus einer kleinen Tasse.
At breakfast, she drank her coffee from a small cup.
In real life
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