01
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
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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
'das Becken' and 'die Wanne' can both be open containers, often for water or other liquids. 'Becken' is more general and is often used for fixed or larger water containers, for example a washbasin or swimming pool. 'Wanne' often means a bathtub, but it can also be a shallow, wide container for catching or transporting things. The words can be confused because a 'Wanne' functions like a 'Becken'. When you are taking a bath, you usually say 'Wanne' or, more specifically, 'Badewanne'. When talking about a built-in water basin or a facility, 'Becken' fits better.
Wanne
Der Handwerker stellt eine Wanne unter das undichte Rohr.
The tradesman places a pan under the leaking pipe.
Becken
Im Garten steht ein kleines Becken für die Fische.
There is a small basin for the fish in the garden.
In real life
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