mass of water
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mass of water
A very large amount of water that is located in one place or is moving, such as in an ocean, a large lake, or during a flood.
Die gewaltigen Wassermassen des Hochwassers überfluteten die ganze Stadt.
The enormous masses of water from the flood inundated the entire city.
The word is a simple compound made up of 'Wasser' (water) and 'Masse' (mass). It literally describes a large, indefinite amount of water.
Die Feuerwehr kämpfte gegen die unkontrollierbaren Wassermassen.
The fire department fought against the uncontrollable masses of water.
The base word '-masse' (-mass) is often used to describe a large, often unmanageable amount of something. Other examples of this pattern are 'Menschenmassen' (crowds of people), 'Schneemassen' (masses of snow), or 'Erdmassen' (masses of earth).
Die Schneemassen blockierten die Straßen in den Bergen.
The masses of snow blocked the roads in the mountains.
The word is very often used in the plural ('Wassermassen', masses of water), especially in the context of natural disasters such as floods or tsunamis. Typical adjectives are 'gewaltig' (enormous), 'enorm' (huge), or 'riesig' (gigantic).
Gewaltige Wassermassen strömten durch das Tal.
Enormous masses of water rushed through the valley.
body of water
'Gewässer' and 'Wassermasse' both refer to a lot of water in nature. 'Gewässer' is a neutral general term for places with water, for example a lake, river, pond, or sea. 'Wassermasse', on the other hand, emphasizes the large amount or force of the water, especially with the sea, a flood, or flooding. The words can be confused because both describe water. If you are naming the place or type, 'Gewässer' is more natural. If the amount or movement is impressive or dangerous, 'Wassermasse' fits better.
Nach dem starken Regen drückte eine große Wassermasse gegen die Brücke.
After the heavy rain, a large mass of water pressed against the bridge.
In diesem Gewässer darf man nicht schwimmen, weil es unter Naturschutz steht.
You are not allowed to swim in this body of water because it is protected as a nature reserve.