das  Hochwasser

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈhoːxˌvasɐ/

🌊 What does 'das Hochwasser' mean?

Das Hochwasser (neuter gender) refers to a condition where the water level of a body of water (river, lake, sea) is significantly above its normal level, often leading to floods (Überschwemmungen). The article is always das.

• Meaning 1: A significantly elevated water level in a body of water. Example: Nach tagelangem Regen gab es in vielen Regionen Hochwasser. (After days of rain, there was high water/flooding in many regions.)
• Meaning 2 (less common): The water itself during this condition. Example: Das Hochwasser drang in die Keller ein. (The floodwater penetrated the cellars.)

🚨 Attention: Although often associated with die Überschwemmung (inundation/flood) or die Flut (flood/high tide), Hochwasser primarily describes the high water level itself, while Überschwemmung describes the water overflowing onto normally dry land.

🧐 Grammar of 'das Hochwasser' explained

The word Hochwasser is a neuter noun. It's most commonly used in the singular. The plural form die Hochwässer exists but is less common in everyday language, often used in technical contexts or referring to recurring events.

Example Sentences

• Das Hochwasser erreichte einen kritischen Pegel. (The high water reached a critical level.)
• Die Feuerwehr warnt vor weiter steigendem Hochwasser. (The fire department warns of further rising high water.)
• Die Schäden durch das letzte Hochwasser waren enorm. (The damages from the last flood were enormous.)
• Manche Regionen erleben jährliche Hochwässer. (Some regions experience annual floods.) [Plural usage]

💬 How to use 'Hochwasser'?

Hochwasser is primarily used in the context of natural events and weather reports.

• Context: News reports, weather forecasts, warnings, discussions about natural disasters, water management (Wasserwirtschaft).
• Typical Phrases: "Hochwasser führen" (a river carries high water), "vor Hochwasser warnen" (to warn of high water/flooding), "Hochwasserschutz" (flood protection), "Hochwassermarke" (high-water mark).
• Distinction from similar words:
  • Die Flut: Can be synonymous with Hochwasser, but often specifically refers to the rising tide (Ebbe und Flut - ebb and flow/tide) or a sudden, large amount of water (Sintflut - deluge, Sturzflut - flash flood).
  • Die Überschwemmung / Die Überflutung: Refers to the event of water overflowing banks and covering land. This is often the consequence (die Folge) of Hochwasser.

💡 Mnemonics for 'das Hochwasser'

For the article 'das': Remember "das Wasser" (the water). Since Hochwasser is a type of water situation, it keeps the neuter article "das". Imagine: Das Wasser stands hoch (high) -> das Hochwasser.

For the meaning: The word is a compound: Hoch (high) + Wasser (water). It literally means high water.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: Not every instance of high water is Hochwasser in the sense of a hazard. High water in your bathtub isn't Hochwasser!

😂 A little Joke

Warum nehmen Fische beim Hochwasser einen Regenschirm mit?

Damit sie nicht nass werden! 😉

(Why do fish take an umbrella during a flood? - So they don't get wet!)

📜 Poem about 'Hochwasser'

Das Wasser steigt, der Fluss wird breit,
Es kommt heran mit Macht und Zeit.
Das Ufer schmal, die Wellen schlagen,
Das Hochwasser bringt bange Fragen.
Keller voll und Straßen nass,
Natur zeigt ihre Kraft, oh Schreck, oh Graus!

(The water rises, the river grows wide,
It approaches with power and time.
The bank narrow, the waves crash,
The high water brings anxious questions.
Cellars full and streets wet,
Nature shows its power, oh dread, oh horror!)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich komme meist nach Regen schwer,
Fülle Flüsse und das Meer.
Manchmal bring ich große Not,
Wenn ich über Ufer tret'.

Was bin ich?

(I usually come after heavy rain,
Fill rivers and the sea again.
Sometimes I bring great distress,
When I overflow the banks, no less.

What am I?)

Solution: Das Hochwasser (The flood / high water)

🧩 Additional Insights

Word Composition:

The word Hochwasser is a compound noun (ein Kompositum), formed from:

• hoch (adjective): meaning 'high'
• das Wasser (noun): meaning 'water'

So, it literally describes the state of 'high water'.

Cultural Significance: Flood events (Hochwasserereignisse) often have significant impacts on affected regions and shape collective memory. Flood protection (Hochwasserschutz) is therefore an important topic in politics and society in Germany and other affected countries.