das
Löschwasser
💧 What Exactly is Löschwasser?
Das Löschwasser translates to firefighting water or fire extinguishing water. It refers to water specifically intended, stored, or used for combating fires.
It's a crucial component of fire protection (Brandschutz) and firefighting operations (Brandbekämpfung) carried out by the fire brigade (Feuerwehr).
This water can come from various sources, such as Hydranten (hydrants), open water bodies like Seen (lakes) or Flüsse (rivers), or special Löschwasserbehälter (fire water tanks). The quality and quantity of available Löschwasser are vital for the success of firefighting efforts.
🧐 Grammar of Löschwasser in Detail
Das Löschwasser is a neuter noun. It primarily uses the article 'das'. It's usually used in the singular because it's often treated as an uncountable substance. The plural form (die Löschwässer) is rare and would refer to different types or sources of firefighting water.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das | Löschwasser |
| Genitive | des | Löschwassers |
| Dative | dem | Löschwasser |
| Accusative | das | Löschwasser |
(Plural is uncommon; theoretically: Nom./Acc. die Löschwässer, Gen. der Löschwässer, Dat. den Löschwässern)
Example Sentences
🚒 When and How is Löschwasser Used?
Das Löschwasser is a technical term primarily used in the fields of Brandschutz (fire protection) and Feuerwehrwesen (fire service operations).
- Context: It's mainly used when discussing fires, firefighting, fire drills, and fire safety regulations.
- Application: People talk about the Bereitstellung (provision), Entnahme (extraction), or Bedarf (need) for Löschwasser. Important related terms include Löschwasserversorgung (fire water supply), Löschwasserentnahmestelle (fire water extraction point, e.g., hydrant, well, pond), and Löschwassermenge (quantity of fire water).
- Distinction: In everyday language, one might just say 'Wasser' (water). However, in technical and official contexts, 'Löschwasser' is more precise because it emphasizes the specific purpose – it's not just any water, but water specifically for löschen (extinguishing).
🧠 Mnemonics for Löschwasser
Article Mnemonic: Remember das Wasser (the water). Since Löschwasser is a specific type of water, it keeps the neuter article: das Löschwasser.
Meaning Mnemonic: The word combines 'Lösch-' (from löschen, meaning to extinguish) and 'Wasser' (water). So, logically, it's 'water for extinguishing'. Imagine firefighters spraying Wasser to löschen a fire.
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms
- Feuerlöschwasser: A slightly more formal or technical term, but essentially synonymous.
- (Colloquially, sometimes just: Wasser)
Antonyms (Conceptual Opposites)
- Brandbeschleuniger: (Accelerant) - Substances that fuel a fire instead of extinguishing it (e.g., gasoline, oil).
- Trinkwasser: (Potable water / Drinking water) - Water intended for human consumption (Löschwasser doesn't have to be potable).
- Brauchwasser: (Service water / Industrial water) - Water for industrial or domestic purposes, not primarily for drinking (can sometimes serve as Löschwasser, but the primary purpose differs).
😂 A Little Joke
Der Feuerwehrhauptmann fragt den Neuen: "Was tun Sie als Erstes, wenn das Gerätehaus brennt?"
(The fire captain asks the rookie: "What's the first thing you do if the fire station catches fire?")
Antwortet der Neue: "Ich hole das Löschwasser – und mache mir einen Kaffee damit, Chef! Ist ja schließlich warm genug!"
(The rookie replies: "I'll get the Löschwasser – and make myself a coffee with it, chief! It's certainly warm enough!") 🚒☕️
📜 Poem about Löschwasser
Wenn rote Flammen züngeln heiß,
(When red flames lick hotly,)
Und Rauch erfüllt die Luft so leis,
(And smoke softly fills the air,)
Dann naht die Wehr mit Blaulicht schnell,
(Then the brigade approaches quickly with blue lights,)
Bringt Rettung an die Brandesstell'.
(Bringing rescue to the fire site.)
Ihr wichtigstes Gut, klar und rein,
(Their most important asset, clear and pure,)
Muss stets verfügbar sein:
(Must always be available:)
Das Löschwasser, kühl und nass,
(The firefighting water, cool and wet,)
Bezwingt die Glut, welch ein Spaß!
(Conquers the embers, what fun! (For the firefighters, of course!))
❓ Riddle Time
Ich bin nass, doch kein Getränk für dich,
(I am wet, but not a drink for you,)
Bei Feuer rufst du schnell nach mich.
(In case of fire, you quickly call for me.)
Aus Hydranten oder Teichen,
(From hydrants or ponds,)
Lass' ich die Flammen schnell erbleichen.
(I make the flames quickly fade.)
Was bin ich?
(What am I?)
→ Das Löschwasser (Firefighting water)
🧩 Further Details
Word Composition:
The word "Löschwasser" is a compound noun, formed from:
- The verb stem "lösch-" from löschen (to extinguish, put out)
- The noun "Wasser" (water)
Trivia:
- The provision of sufficient Löschwasser is legally regulated in Germany (e.g., in state building codes and fire service laws).
- A distinction is often made between the Grundschutz (basic protection) amount of Löschwasser (for smaller fires) and the Objektschutz (object protection) amount (for larger or high-risk buildings).
- Not all water is suitable as Löschwasser. Saltwater, for example, can cause corrosion and is more electrically conductive.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Löschwasser?
The answer is clear: The correct article for Löschwasser is das. It is a neuter noun, derived from das Wasser.