A tall, tower-like structure that serves as a reservoir for water. Its height creates the necessary water pressure to supply an area.
example
Der alte Wasserturm steht unter Denkmalschutz und ist das Wahrzeichen der Stadt.
The old water tower is a protected monument and is the city's landmark.
Usage tips
Compound word
This word is made up of 'Wasser' (water) and 'Turm' (tower), connected by an 's'. The meaning is literal: a tower that stores water.
EXAMPLE
Vom neuen Wasserturm aus hat man eine tolle Aussicht.
From the new water tower, you have a great view.
Typical collocations
Common formulations are that a water tower 'unter Denkmalschutz steht' (is a protected monument), is considered the 'Wahrzeichen einer Stadt' (landmark of a city), or 'mit Wasser versorgt' (supplies with water) an area.
EXAMPLE
Der Wasserturm versorgt die ganze Gemeinde mit Trinkwasser.
The water tower supplies the whole community with drinking water.
Location expressions
To express movement, you say 'auf den Wasserturm steigen' (to climb up the water tower; accusative). To describe a location, you use 'auf dem Wasserturm' (on the water tower; dative for the top) or 'im Wasserturm' (inside the water tower; dative for the interior).
EXAMPLE
Die Techniker müssen auf den Wasserturm klettern, um ihn zu warten.
The technicians have to climb up the water tower in order to maintain it.