das  Schwimmbad

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃvɪmbaːt/

🏊 What exactly is a Schwimmbad?

A Schwimmbad (neuter noun, article: das) is a public or private facility primarily used for swimming and bathing. It usually has one or more water basins (pools).

A distinction is often made between:

• Freibad: An open-air swimming pool, usually only open in summer.
• Hallenbad: An indoor swimming pool that can be used year-round.
• Erlebnisbad: A leisure pool with additional attractions like slides, wave pools, etc.

The article is always das, as it is a neuter term for a facility (derived from das Bad - the bath/pool).

🧐 Grammar: Declension of 'das Schwimmbad'

The word "Schwimmbad" is a neuter noun. Here are the declension tables:

Example Sentences

1. Im Sommer gehen wir oft ins Schwimmbad.
   (In summer, we often go to the swimming pool.)
2. Der Eintrittspreis des Schwimmbades ist gestiegen.
   (The entrance fee of the swimming pool has increased.)
3. Neben dem Schwimmbad gibt es einen Spielplatz.
   (There is a playground next to the swimming pool.)
4. Die Schwimmbäder in unserer Stadt sind modern.
   (The swimming pools in our city are modern.)

💬 How to use 'Schwimmbad'?

"Schwimmbad" is the general term for a swimming facility. You use it when talking about the place where you go swimming.

• Typical Collocations: ins Schwimmbad gehen (to go to the pool), im Schwimmbad sein (to be at the pool), das Schwimmbad besuchen (to visit the pool), ein öffentliches/privates Schwimmbad (a public/private pool).
• Context: Used in everyday life, leisure planning, conversations about sports or summer activities.
• Differentiation: While "Schwimmbad" is the umbrella term, more specific terms like "Freibad" (outdoor pool, summer) or "Hallenbad" (indoor pool, year-round) are often used if the type is known. A "Badesee" refers to a natural lake for bathing, not a man-made pool.

💡 Mnemonics for 'das Schwimmbad'

1. Article Mnemonic: Think of das Bad (the bath/pool). A Schwimmbad is a type of Bad, and "Bad" is neuter (das). So, das Schwimmbad is also neuter. Imagine a large, neutral building – das building, das Bad.
2. Meaning Mnemonic: The word is composed of "schwimmen" (to swim) and "Bad" (bath/pool). So it's literally a 'swim-pool'. Quite logical!

Imagine a neutral, dashing creature swimming in the Bad (pool) – das Schwimmbad.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: "See" (lake) or "Meer" (sea/ocean) are natural bodies of water, not constructed swimming pools (Schwimmbäder).

😄 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Skelette nie am Wettschwimmen im Schwimmbad teil?

Weil sie keine Muskeln haben, um durchzuhalten, und außerdem keine Badehose finden, die nicht durchrutscht! 😄

Why do skeletons never take part in swimming competitions at the Schwimmbad?

Because they have no guts (muscles) to keep going, and besides, they can't find swimming trunks that don't slip down! 😄

✍️ Poem about the Schwimmbad

Im Schwimmbad, hell und klar,
taucht man ein, wunderbar.
Das Wasser kühl, die Sonne lacht,
ein Sommertag, wie er gedacht.
Bahnen ziehen, planschen, springen,
frohe Lieder hört man klingen.
Das ist der Ort für Spaß und Sport,
man kommt gern wieder fort und fort.

In the Schwimmbad, bright and clear,
one dives in, wonderfully near.
The water cool, the sun does laugh,
a summer day on the right path.
Swimming laps, splashing, jumping high,
happy songs are heard nearby.
Das is the place for fun and sport,
you gladly come back to this port.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich habe Becken, doch kein Meer,
man schwimmt in mir, kreuz und quer.
Mal bin ich drinnen, mal im Freien,
besonders Kinder sich dort freuen.

Was bin ich?

Lösung: Das Schwimmbad

I have basins, but no sea,
people swim in me, wild and free.
Sometimes I'm inside, sometimes out in the sun,
especially children have lots of fun.

What am I?

Solution: The Schwimmbad (swimming pool)

🧩 More Tidbits

Word Composition:

The word "Schwimmbad" is a compound noun, composed of:

• The verb stem of "schwimmen" (to swim)
• The noun "Bad" (das Bad - bath/pool)

This composition directly describes the function of the place: a bath/pool for swimming.

Cultural Note: Schwimmbäder are popular places in Germany for leisure, sports, and social gatherings, especially Freibäder in summer or Hallenbäder for school swimming lessons and club training.