die Senke
depression
A hollow or lower-lying area in a landscape or on a surface.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Regen sammelte sich das Wasser in einer Senke auf dem Feld.
After the rain, water collected in a depression in the field.
die Senke
depression / dip
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Meanings
die Senke
dip
In economic or statistical contexts, a temporary decline or low point in values or prices.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem starken Wachstum erlebte die Aktie eine leichte Senke.
After the strong growth, the stock experienced a slight dip.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Senke' (depression/dip) is closely related to the verb 'sinken' (to sink). A 'Senke' is therefore literally a place that has 'sunk' or lies lower than its surroundings.
EXAMPLE
Durch das Absinken des Grundwasserspiegels entstand eine große Senke.
The lowering of the groundwater level created a large depression.
Context clues
You can easily recognize the meaning from the context. Words like 'Landschaft' (landscape), 'Feld' (field), or 'Boden' (ground/soil) point to the geographical depression. Words like 'Wirtschaft' (economy), 'Aktienkurs' (stock price), or 'Zahlen' (figures/numbers) point to the statistical low point.
EXAMPLE
In der Senke wuchsen besondere Pflanzen, die es feucht mögen.
Special plants that like moisture grew in the depression.
Typical collocations
In a geographical context, 'Senke' (depression) is often used with the preposition 'in' (in). Typical formulations are 'in einer Senke liegen' (to lie in a depression), 'sich in einer Senke befinden' (to be located in a depression), or 'Wasser sammelt sich in der Senke' (water collects in the depression).
EXAMPLE
Das kleine Dorf liegt geschützt in einer Senke zwischen den Hügeln.
The small village lies sheltered in a depression between the hills.
Compare with
Senke vs Tal
valley
A Tal is typically a longer, low-lying area between mountains or hills. A Senke is more generally any hollow or lower-lying spot and does not have to run between elevated areas.
Senke
Eine flache Senke liegt mitten auf dem Feld.
A shallow depression lies in the middle of the field.
Tal
Ein langes Tal verläuft zwischen den beiden Bergen.
A long valley runs between the two mountains.
In real life
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