tanken
to refuel / fill up
To put fuel such as gasoline or diesel into a vehicle's tank.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss noch tanken, bevor wir auf die Autobahn fahren.
I still need to fill up before we get on the highway.
tanken
to refuel / fill up
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Meanings
tanken
to soak up
In a figurative sense, to take in new energy, strength, or also sunshine in order to recover and feel stronger.
EXAMPLE
Im Urlaub am Meer will ich vor allem Sonne tanken.
On vacation by the sea, what I mainly want to do is soak up the sun.
tanken
to booze
Colloquial for drinking alcohol, often in larger quantities.
EXAMPLE
Die Jungs gehen am Wochenende wieder ordentlich tanken.
The guys are going out boozing properly again this weekend.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'tanken' (to refuel/fill up) derives directly from the noun 'der Tank' (the tank). This connection to the basic meaning 'to fill a container' helps you remember the word.
EXAMPLE
Der Tank ist fast leer, wir müssen gleich tanken.
The tank is almost empty; we need to fill up soon.
Use with an object
In its main meaning, 'tanken' (to refuel/fill up) can be used without an object when it is clear that it refers to the vehicle. But you can also add an object to specify what you are filling up with.
EXAMPLE
Warte kurz, ich muss noch schnell tanken.
Wait a moment, I still need to fill up quickly.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'tanken' (to soak up/recharge) is often combined with positive, abstract things. Common phrases are 'Sonne tanken' (to soak up the sun), 'Kraft tanken' (to regain strength), 'Energie tanken' (to recharge one's energy), or 'Selbstvertrauen tanken' (to gain self-confidence).
EXAMPLE
Nach der anstrengenden Woche muss ich am Wochenende neue Kraft tanken.
After the exhausting week, I need to regain some strength over the weekend.
Colloquial style
The meaning 'to drink alcohol' is very colloquial and should only be used in very informal situations among friends. It often implies that larger amounts are being drunk.
EXAMPLE
Was habt ihr am Samstag gemacht? – Wir waren erst was essen und haben dann noch ordentlich getankt.
What did you do on Saturday? – We went out to eat first and then had a proper drinking session.
Compare with
tanken vs trinken
to drink
„Trinken“ is the neutral term for consuming alcohol, regardless of how much someone drinks. „Tanken“ is used colloquially in this sense and often suggests larger quantities. Use „trinken“ in factual language and „tanken“ when the casual, intensified expression is intended.
tanken
Die Freunde wollten nach der Arbeit noch ordentlich Alkohol tanken.
The friends wanted to really load up on alcohol after work.
trinken
Die Freunde tranken nach der Arbeit noch ein Bier zusammen.
The friends had another beer together after work.
In real life
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