der See
lake
A large, standing body of water in a depression on the land surface, surrounded by land.
EXAMPLE
Im Sommer fahren wir oft zum Schwimmen an den See.
In summer, we often go to the lake to swim.
der See
lake
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Meanings
Usage tips
Careful: article changes meaning
The word 'See' has a completely different meaning depending on the article. 'Der See' (masculine) is an inland body of water, like a lake in the mountains. 'Die See' (feminine) means the sea or the oceans.
EXAMPLE
Der Chiemsee ist der größte See in Bayern.
Lake Chiemsee is the largest lake in Bavaria.
Prepositions: location and direction
To describe a location at the lake, you use 'am See' (at the lake) with dative. To express movement toward it, you use 'an den See' (to the lake) with accusative.
EXAMPLE
Wir treffen uns am See.
We're meeting at the lake.
Common in names
The word 'See' is often the second part of proper names for lakes or of compound nouns. This can often help you recognize that it refers to a lake.
EXAMPLE
Der Bodensee grenzt an Deutschland, Österreich und die Schweiz.
Lake Constance borders Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Compare with
See vs Teich
pond
Der See is usually larger and deeper than a Teich. A Teich is small and often artificially created, but it can also have formed naturally. Since the boundaries between small bodies of water are not clear-cut, size, depth, and origin help determine which word to use.
See
Der See am Ortsrand ist natürlich entstanden und mehrere Meter tief.
The lake on the edge of town formed naturally and is several meters deep.
Teich
Der Teich am Ortsrand ist flach und wurde für die Fischzucht angelegt.
The pond on the edge of town is shallow and was created for fish farming.
In real life
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