das Töpfchen
small pot
A small container, usually made of ceramic, metal, or plastic, used to store, prepare, or serve something.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Tisch stand ein Töpfchen mit Honig.
There was a small pot of honey on the table.
das Töpfchen
pot / potty
das Töpfchen, die Töpfchen
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Meanings
das Töpfchen
potty
A small portable toilet container for children who do not yet use a regular toilet.
EXAMPLE
Das Kind setzte sich zum ersten Mal allein auf das Töpfchen.
The child sat on the potty alone for the first time.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Töpfchen, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Töpfchen |
| genitive | des Töpfchens |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Töpfchen | die Töpfchen |
| accusative | das Töpfchen | die Töpfchen |
| dative | dem Töpfchen | den Töpfchen |
| genitive | des Töpfchens | der Töpfchen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Töpfchen' is formed from 'Topf' (pot) with the diminutive suffix '-chen'. The umlaut shows the change in the stem vowel: 'Topf' becomes 'Töpfchen'; the form therefore indicates something small.
EXAMPLE
Für die Gewürze stellte sie ein kleines Töpfchen neben den Herd.
She placed a small pot next to the stove for the spices.
Context clue
The intended meaning can usually be recognized from the context: With honey, sauce, or spices, 'Töpfchen' refers to a container; with a child and verbs such as 'sich setzen' (to sit down) or 'benutzen' (to use), it refers to a potty.
EXAMPLE
Neben dem Waschbecken stand ein Töpfchen mit Creme.
There was a small pot of cream next to the sink.
Das Kind wollte das Töpfchen heute ganz allein benutzen.
The child wanted to use the potty all by themselves today.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'small pot', 'Töpfchen' often appears with information about the contents or use, for example 'ein Töpfchen mit Honig' (a small pot of honey), 'ein Töpfchen Soße' (a small pot of sauce), or 'ein Töpfchen zum Servieren' (a small pot for serving).
EXAMPLE
Die Köchin stellte ein Töpfchen Soße auf den Tisch.
The cook placed a small pot of sauce on the table.
Children's context
In the meaning of a toilet container, 'Töpfchen' is mainly used in everyday contexts involving young children. Common phrases include 'aufs Töpfchen gehen' (to go potty), 'auf dem Töpfchen sitzen' (to sit on the potty), and 'das Töpfchen benutzen' (to use the potty).
EXAMPLE
Vor dem Schlafengehen ging die Tochter noch aufs Töpfchen.
Before going to bed, the daughter went potty once more.
In real life
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