das  Regenwasser

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʁeːɡn̩ˌvasɐ/

💧 What Exactly is Regenwasser?

Das Regenwasser is the German word for rainwater. It refers to water that originates from precipitation (Niederschlag), specifically rain (Regen), and is collected. It's essentially naturally distilled water formed in the atmosphere that falls to earth.

It differs from groundwater (Grundwasser) or tap water (Leitungswasser) due to its low mineral concentration and often slightly acidic pH, depending on air quality.

⚠️ Caution: Although natural, untreated rainwater is not always directly suitable as drinking water (Trinkwasser) because it can pick up contaminants from the air or collection surfaces (e.g., roofs).

🧐 Grammar of Regenwasser in Detail

The word "Regenwasser" is a neuter noun (sächlich). The article is das. It's a compound word (Kompositum) formed from "Regen" (der Regen - the rain) and "Wasser" (das Wasser - the water). In German compound nouns, the last part determines the gender.

Singular Declension:

Plural Declension:

The plural form "die Regenwässer" is rarely used. Often, people refer to "Regenwasser" collectively in the singular or use descriptive phrases (e.g., die gesammelten Regenwassermengen - the collected amounts of rainwater).

Example Sentences

• Das Regenwasser in der Tonne ist ideal zum Blumengießen. (The rainwater in the barrel is ideal for watering flowers.)
• Der pH-Wert des Regenwassers kann variieren. (The pH value of the rainwater can vary.)
• Mit dem Regenwasser sparen wir wertvolles Trinkwasser. (With the rainwater, we save valuable drinking water.)
• Wir sammeln das Regenwasser vom Dach. (We collect the rainwater from the roof.)

💡 How Regenwasser is Used

Das Regenwasser has various applications, especially in private and ecological contexts:

• Garden Watering (Gartenbewässerung): Many plants prefer the soft, low-lime rainwater over tap water.
• Household (Haushalt): Collected and filtered rainwater can be used for flushing toilets or washing laundry (using a Regenwassernutzungsanlage - rainwater harvesting system).
• Water Saving (Wassersparen): Using rainwater reduces the consumption of treated drinking water.
• Environmental Context (Umweltkontext): Rainwater plays a significant role in urban planning and environmental protection concerning seepage (Versickerung), sewage systems (Kanalisation), and overflow protection (Überlaufschutz).

It is often collected in rain barrels (Regentonnen), cisterns (Zisternen), or special collection systems.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Regenwasser'

Article Mnemonic: Think of das Wasser. Regenwasser is a type of water, and Wasser is neuter (das). So, das Regenwasser is also neuter. The 'ss' in Wasser might remind you of the 's' in 'das'.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine Regen (rain) falling from the sky and collecting as Wasser (water) -> literally Regenwasser (rainwater).

🔄 Synonyms & Contrasting Terms

😄 A Little Shower of Humor

Fragt ein Wassertropfen den anderen: "Woher kommst du?"
Sagt der andere: "Ich bin inkognito unterwegs – als Regenwasser!"

Translation:
One water droplet asks another: "Where are you from?"
The other says: "I'm travelling incognito – as rainwater!"

📜 Poem about Regenwasser

Vom Himmel fällt es, kühl und klar,
das Regenwasser, wunderbar.
Es trommelt leis ans Fensterglas,
füllt Tonnen auf für Blum' und Gras.
Ein Schatz der Natur, weich und rein,
so soll das Gießen Freude sein.

Translation:
From the sky it falls, cool and clear,
the rainwater, wonderful and dear.
It gently drums against the window pane,
fills barrels up for flower and grain (grass).
A treasure of nature, soft and pure,
making watering a joyful chore.

🧩 Who or What Am I?

Ich falle vom Himmel, doch bin kein Schnee,
ich lösche den Durst von Baum und Klee.
Man fängt mich in Tonnen, groß und klein,
für Garten und Spülung bin ich fein.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I fall from the sky, but I'm not snow,
I quench the thirst of trees and clover below.
I'm caught in barrels, large and small,
For garden and flushing, I'm good for all.

What am I?
... Das Regenwasser (Rainwater)

✨ More Interesting Facts

Word Composition (Wortzusammensetzung):

The word "Regenwasser" is a determinative compound noun. It consists of:

• der Regen: The determinant (Bestimmungswort) - specifies where the water comes from.
• das Wasser: The determinatum (Grundwort) - determines the gender (neuter) and the basic meaning.

Trivia:

• Rainwater is naturally slightly acidic (pH typically around 5.6) because it absorbs carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air, forming carbonic acid. Acid rain is caused by higher concentrations of air pollutants.
• In many regions, there are regulations (Vorschriften) regarding the collection and use of rainwater, especially for new buildings, to relieve sewage systems and conserve water.