das  Waschbecken

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvaʃˌbɛkən/

💧 What exactly is a Waschbecken?

The German word das Waschbecken refers to a fixed basin, usually made of ceramic, stainless steel, or other materials, primarily used for washing hands and face. It typically features a faucet (die Armatur) and a drain (der Abfluss).

It's a central component of bathrooms (Badezimmer) and restrooms (Toiletten), but can sometimes also be found in kitchens (Küchen, as a separate hand basin), workshops (Werkstätten), or hospital rooms (Krankenzimmer).

⚠️ There is only one article for this word: das. It's a neuter noun (sächlich).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Check: Das Waschbecken in Detail

"Waschbecken" is a neuter noun (Neutrum). The article is always das.

Example Sentences

• Bitte putz nach dem Zähneputzen das Waschbecken. (Please clean the washbasin after brushing your teeth.)
• Der Klempner repariert den Abfluss des Waschbeckens. (The plumber is repairing the washbasin's drain.)
• Ich stelle die Seife neben dem Waschbecken ab. (I place the soap next to the washbasin.)
• Wir brauchen neue Waschbecken für das Gäste-WC. (We need new washbasins for the guest toilet.)

🛠️ Everyday Use: When to use Waschbecken?

The word Waschbecken is used very frequently in everyday language as it refers to a common household item.

• Standard Term: It's the most common and neutral term for this type of basin in a bathroom or restroom.
• Distinction: It's sometimes used to differentiate it from the Spüle or Spülbecken (kitchen sink), although the lines can sometimes blur (a small basin in the kitchen just for handwashing might also be called a Waschbecken).
• Context: You'll find it in contexts related to household (Haushalt), hygiene (Hygiene), furniture/interior design (Einrichtung), renovation (Renovierung), and plumbing (Sanitärinstallationen).

🧠 Mnemonics to Help You Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of the core word "Becken" (basin). Like many nouns ending in "-en" derived from verbs (even indirectly), it's often neuter. Think "das Becken" for washing -> das Waschbecken.

Meaning Mnemonic: The word is a compound: it's used for waschen (to wash), and it's a Becken (basin). So, a "wash-basin"! Simple, right? 😉

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Synonyms

• Handwaschbecken: Emphasizes the primary function (washing hands).
• Lavabo (Swiss German/dated): A somewhat more formal or regional term.
• Waschtisch: Often refers to the washbasin including the surrounding furniture or countertop (vanity unit).

Antonyms (Conceptual)

There are no direct antonyms. However, one could consider other sanitary objects that serve different washing functions:

• Dusche: Shower; for washing the whole body standing up.
• Badewanne: Bathtub; for washing the whole body lying/sitting down.
• Spüle/Spülbecken: Kitchen sink; primarily for washing dishes.

Similar, Potentially Confusing Words

• Becken: Can also mean a pool (Schwimmbecken), a cymbal (musical instrument), or the pelvis (body part). Context is crucial.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat das Waschbecken nie Geheimnisse?
Weil ständig alles durch den Abfluss rauscht! 🗣️➡️🚽

(Why does the washbasin never have secrets? Because everything constantly rushes down the drain!)

✒️ A Little Poem

Im Bad, ganz weiß und rein,
steht das Waschbecken, blank und fein.
Kaltes Wasser, warmes Nass,
für Gesicht und Händewasch'.
Ein treuer Diener, Tag für Tag,
man es kaum noch missen mag.

(In the bath, all white and pure,
stands the washbasin, shiny and demure.
Cold water, warm stream's flow,
for face and hands, you know.
A faithful servant, day by day,
hard to imagine it away.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich habe einen Hahn, aber keinen Hof.
Ich habe einen Abfluss, aber kein Geld.
Man benutzt mich täglich, früh und spät,
besonders wenn's um Sauberkeit geht.

Was bin ich?
(Lösung: das Waschbecken)

(I have a tap (Hahn can mean tap or rooster), but no farmyard.
I have a drain (Abfluss), but no money.
I am used daily, early and late,
especially when it's about being clean.)

What am I?
(Solution: the washbasin)

🧩 Other Info about Waschbecken

Word Composition

The word "Waschbecken" is a compound noun (Kompositum), composed of:

• The verb stem of "waschen" (to wash, to clean)
• The noun "Becken" (a basin, bowl-shaped depression, container)

So, it literally describes its function: a basin for washing.

Trivia

In the past, before fixed plumbing in houses, wash bowls (Waschschüsseln) on dressers (Waschtische) were common. The modern integrated washbasin is an evolution of this.