das  Fass

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/fas/

🏺 What does "das Fass" mean?

Das Fass (noun, neuter) primarily refers to a large, usually cylindrical container, typically made of wooden staves held together by metal hoops. It's traditionally used for storing and transporting liquids like Wein (wine), Bier (beer), Whisky, or Öl (oil). We call it a barrel or cask in English.

Figuratively, "Fass" is used in common German idioms:

• Ein Fass ohne Boden (a barrel without a bottom): Something that consumes endless resources (money, time, effort) without ever being completed or filled. A bottomless pit. 💸
• Ein Fass aufmachen (to open a barrel): To make a big deal out of something, react excessively to a topic, or start a celebration. 🎉
• Das Fass zum Überlaufen bringen (to make the barrel overflow): The last straw; the final act that causes a situation to escalate. 💧
• Das schlägt dem Fass den Boden aus! (That knocks the bottom out of the barrel!): An expression of extreme indignation or surprise about something outrageous. 🤯

The word always takes the article "das" in its main meaning as a container.

📊 Grammar of "das Fass" in Detail

"Das Fass" is a strong neuter noun. Here are the declension tables:

📝 Example Sentences

• Der Winzer lagert den Wein in einem großen Fass. (The winemaker stores the wine in a large cask.)
• Für das Oktoberfest werden viele Fässer Bier benötigt. (Many barrels of beer are needed for Oktoberfest.)
• Das alte Holzfass stand jahrelang im Keller. (The old wooden barrel stood in the cellar for years.)
• Die Reparatur des Autos ist ein Fass ohne Boden. (Repairing the car is a bottomless pit.)
• Seine Bemerkung brachte das Fass zum Überlaufen. (His remark was the last straw / made the barrel overflow.)

🔄 When to use "das Fass"?

Use "das Fass" when referring to a container, especially for beverages or other liquids, like a barrel, cask, or keg.

• Context: Landwirtschaft (agriculture, e.g., winemaking), breweries, Gastronomie (restaurants/pubs), storage, but also figuratively in discussions or descriptions of problems (see idioms).
• Typical combinations: Bierfass (beer keg/barrel), Weinfass (wine cask), Holzfass (wooden barrel), Stahlfass (steel drum), ein Fass anstechen/anzapfen (to tap a keg/barrel).
• Distinction: While a "Fass" is often large and wooden, a "Tonne" (tun, large barrel, bin) is often metal or plastic and can also be used for trash or other goods. A "Bottich" (vat) is usually open at the top. A "Kanister" (jerrycan, canister) is smaller, often plastic or metal, with a handle.
• Idioms: The idiomatic uses are very common and important for understanding spoken German (e.g., "ein Fass aufmachen" - to make a fuss, "Fass ohne Boden" - bottomless pit).

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Fass"

For the article ("das"): Think of the English word "vat" (which sounds a bit like Fass, maybe?). A vat is *that* specific container. *That* sounds like das. Or imagine *das*hing water into *das Fass*.

For the meaning ("barrel/cask"): Fass sounds a bit like "fast". You need to roll the heavy barrel *fast* before it rolls away! Or think of how a barrel *fast*ens things inside (keeps liquids contained).

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms of Fass

😄 A Little Fass Joke

German: Fragt der Lehrer: "Was ist flüssiger als Wasser?" Schüler: "Hausaufgaben! Die sind nämlich überflüssig!" Lehrer: "Und was ist ein Fass ohne Boden?" Schüler: "Unsere Klassenkasse!"

English Translation: The teacher asks: "What is more fluid than water?" Pupil: "Homework! Because it's superfluous!" (Wordplay: überflüssig = superfluous/unnecessary, but literally 'over-liquid'). Teacher: "And what is a bottomless barrel (pit)?" Pupil: "Our class treasury!"

📜 Fass Poem

German:
Ein Fass aus Eiche, stark und alt,
Hält edlen Tropfen, schützt vor kalt.
Im Keller tief, da schlummert Wein,
Bis er erwacht im Sonnenschein.

Doch manchmal, hört man Leute schrei'n:
"Das schlägt dem Fass den Boden ein!"
Dann ist die Wut, die lang gestaut,
Wie wilder Most nach außen braut.

English Translation:
A cask of oak, so strong and old,
Keeps noble drops, protects from cold.
In cellar deep, the wine does sleep,
Till woken by the sun's bright peep.

But sometimes, you hear people yell:
"That knocks the bottom from the barrel!"
Then anger, long held back inside,
Like wild must, brews a raging tide.

❓ Fass Riddle

German:
Ich habe Dauben, doch kein Holzbein,
Ich halte Ringe, doch schenk' keinen ein.
Ich schlucke Wein und Bier gar gern,
Und steh' im Keller, nah und fern.

Bin manchmal bodenlos, ein Graus,
Man macht mich auf für Fest und Schmaus.

Was bin ich?
(Lösung: das Fass)

English Translation:
I have staves, but no wooden leg,
I hold rings, but give none away (like a wedding ring, or pouring a drink 'einschenken').
I gladly swallow wine and beer,
And stand in cellars, far and near.

Sometimes I'm bottomless, a fright,
They open me for feasts so bright.

What am I?
(Answer: das Fass / the barrel/cask)

💡 Other Info about Fass

• Etymology: The word "Fass" comes from Old High German "faz" and Middle High German "vaz", which originally meant "vessel" or "container" in general.
• Profession: The craftsman who makes barrels is called a "Fassbinder", "Böttcher", or "Küfer" (cooper in English).
• Unit of Measurement: Historically, the "Fass" was also a unit of measurement for liquids (and sometimes bulk goods), but its exact size varied greatly (e.g., the English/American "barrel").
• Materials: Although wood (especially oak) is traditional, today there are also barrels made of stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic, depending on the intended use (e.g., a steel drum or a plastic keg).