die Wanne
tub
A large, long basin for bathing; a bathtub.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Sport freue ich mich auf ein heißes Bad in der Wanne.
After exercising, I look forward to a hot bath in the tub.
die Wanne
tub / pan
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Meanings
die Wanne
pan / tray
An open, usually shallow and wide container used for catching liquids or transporting materials.
EXAMPLE
Der Mechaniker stellte eine Wanne unter das Auto, um das alte Öl aufzufangen.
The mechanic placed a pan under the car to catch the old oil.
Usage tips
Context clue
The context tells you whether 'Wanne' (tub/pan) means a bathtub or a technical container. Words like 'Badezimmer' (bathroom), 'Bad' (bath), or 'heißes Wasser' (hot water) point to a bathtub. Words like 'Öl' (oil), 'Werkstatt' (workshop), or 'Auto' (car) point to the technical container.
EXAMPLE
Ich lasse mir gerade ein heißes Bad in der Wanne ein.
I'm running myself a hot bath in the tub right now.
Movement and location
With a bathtub, the preposition 'in' is crucial. Movement is expressed with the accusative ('in die Wanne steigen' — to climb into the tub), while a state or location is expressed with the dative ('in der Wanne liegen' — to lie in the tub).
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder lieben es, in der Wanne zu planschen.
The children love splashing around in the tub.
Register
'Wanne' (tub) is a very common, often colloquial word for a bathtub.
EXAMPLE
Nach einem langen Tag entspanne ich am liebsten in der Wanne.
After a long day, my favorite way to relax is in the tub.
Compound words
In its technical meaning, 'Wanne' (pan/tray) is often part of compound words. Well-known examples are 'Ölwanne' (oil pan) in a car or 'Auffangwanne' (catch tray) in workshops.
EXAMPLE
Der Mechaniker muss die Ölwanne am Motor austauschen.
The mechanic has to replace the oil pan on the engine.
Compare with
Wanne vs Becken
basin / pelvis / cymbal
Both Becken and Wanne are open containers for water or other liquids. Becken usually refers to a larger basin or a built-in facility, whereas Wanne especially refers to a long, movable container or a bathtub. For a fixed facility, „Becken“ is more suitable; for a container, „Wanne“ is usually the right word.
Wanne
Die Kinder badeten in der großen Wanne im Badezimmer.
The children bathed in the large tub in the bathroom.
Becken
Die Kinder badeten im großen Becken des neuen Schwimmbads.
The children swam in the large pool at the new swimming center.
In real life
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