dew
der Tau
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dew
Fine water droplets that form through the condensation of moisture in the air, usually at night or in the early morning on cool surfaces such as grass and leaves.
Am Morgen glitzerte der Tau auf den Spinnweben.
In the morning, the dew glittered on the spider webs.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Taues |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Tau | – |
| accusative | den Tau | – |
| dative | dem Tau | – |
| genitive | des Taues des Taus | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
There is a second word 'Tau', but it is neuter: 'das Tau' means 'thick rope'. The article is crucial here so you don't confuse the words.
Der Tau glänzte auf den Grashalmen.
The dew shone on the blades of grass.
Das Boot wurde mit einem dicken Tau am Steg festgemacht.
The boat was tied to the dock with a thick rope.
'Tau' (dew) is often used in connection with the morning and nature. Typical combinations are 'der Morgentau' (morning dew), 'im Tau glitzern' (to glitter in the dew), or 'der Tau liegt auf den Wiesen' (the dew lies on the meadows).
Barfuß durch den Morgentau zu laufen ist ein schönes Gefühl.
Walking barefoot through the morning dew is a lovely feeling.
As an uncountable noun, 'Tau' (dew) is almost always used in the singular. When speaking about it generally, it often appears without an article.
Nach einer kalten Nacht liegt oft Tau auf den Autoscheiben.
After a cold night, there is often dew on the car windows.
