sink
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sink
A permanently installed basin with a faucet and drain, usually located in the bathroom and used for washing hands and face.
Bitte putz dir die Zähne über dem Waschbecken und nicht in der Dusche.
Please brush your teeth over the sink and not in the shower.
The word is built very logically: It consists of the verb 'waschen' (to wash) and the noun 'das Becken' (basin). So it is literally a basin for washing.
Nach der Gartenarbeit wusch er sich die Hände am Waschbecken.
After gardening, he washed his hands at the sink.
In Switzerland and partly also in Austria, the word 'das Lavabo' is common instead of 'Waschbecken' (sink). In Germany, 'Lavabo' is used only rarely and usually jokingly or in a very elevated context.
Im Hotel in Zürich gab es ein sehr modernes Lavabo.
In the hotel in Zurich, there was a very modern lavabo.
Common actions at the sink are: 'sich die Hände waschen' (to wash one's hands), 'sich die Zähne putzen' (to brush one's teeth), or 'am Waschbecken stehen' (to stand at the sink). You can also say 'das Waschbecken putzen' (to clean the sink) or 'den Stöpsel ins Waschbecken stecken' (to put the plug in the sink).
Er lehnte müde am Waschbecken und schaute in den Spiegel.
He leaned tiredly against the sink and looked in the mirror.
sink
'Waschbecken' and 'Spüle' are both fixed basins with a faucet and drain. They can be confused because they look similar and are both used for washing. The difference is mainly the location and the purpose. A 'Waschbecken' is normally in the bathroom, and you wash your hands or face there. A 'Spüle' is in the kitchen, and you wash dishes, vegetables, or fruit there. If it is about personal hygiene, 'Waschbecken' fits. If it is about cooking or dishes, 'Spüle' is more natural.
Nach dem Sport wäscht sich Max am Waschbecken die Hände.
After exercising, Max washes his hands at the sink.
In der Spüle liegen noch zwei Teller und ein Topf.
There are still two plates and a pot in the sink.