der  Kahn

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/kaːn/

🛶 What exactly is a Kahn?

Der Kahn (masculine) generally refers to a small, often flat-bottomed boat, usually used without an engine on inland waterways (rivers, canals, lakes). It is typically propelled by punting (staken - pushing off the bottom with a long pole) or rowing (rudern).

Particularly famous are the Spreewaldkähne, used for tourist trips and transportation in the Spreewald region.

Colloquially, Kahn can also be used slightly derogatorily for an old, larger ship or even an old car (e.g., "ein alter Kahn" - an old wreck/barge).

📊 Grammar in Detail: Der Kahn

The noun Kahn is masculine. Here is its declension:

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

Example Sentences

• Der Fährmann stakte den Kahn über den Fluss.
  (The ferryman poled the punt across the river.)
• Im Spreewald machten wir eine Fahrt mit einem traditionellen Kahn.
  (In the Spreewald, we took a trip on a traditional punt.)
• Der alte Fischer reparierte seinen Kahn am Ufer.
  (The old fisherman repaired his boat on the bank.)
• "Was für ein alter Kahn!", sagte er über das rostige Schiff.
  ("What an old wreck!", he said about the rusty ship.)

🚤 When to use 'Kahn'?

Der Kahn is mainly used to describe:

• Small, flat-bottomed boats on inland waters, especially those propelled by punting or rowing.
• In the context of regions like the Spreewald, where these boats (Kähne) are a traditional means of transport.
• Colloquially and often slightly derogatorily when talking about old ships or vehicles ("rostiger Kahn" - rusty wreck, "alter Kahn" - old barge/clunker).

Compared to Boot (boat), Kahn is more specific, often denoting a simpler, flatter type of boat. Schiff (ship) refers to significantly larger vessels.

🧠 How to remember 'der Kahn'

Article Mnemonic

Think of der King: Der King sails den Kahn. (Masculine figure controls masculine object). Or picture Oliver Kahn, the (der) famous goalie, rowing a (einen) Kahn - it's der Kahn.

Meaning Mnemonic

A Kahn can float, but it can't go fast, it's pushed along by a pole held fast. (Focus on 'can' sounds and the punting action).

🔁 Similar and Opposite Words

Potential Confusion ⚠️

Kahn is also a well-known German surname (e.g., Oliver Kahn, former football goalkeeper). Pay attention to the context to avoid mixing up the boat and the name.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Kahn keine Geheimnisse?

Weil er immer alles offen auf dem Wasser trägt! 😉

(Why does the punt have no secrets? Because it always carries everything openly on the water!)

📜 A Kahn Poem

Ein alter Kahn, so sanft und still,
gleitet dahin, wohin er will.
Vom Uferrand, mit leisem Stoß,
fährt er ins Schilf, ganz haltlos los.
Die Sonne scheint, das Wasser glänzt,
ein Bild, das Zeit und Raum begrenzt.

(An old punt, so gentle and still,
glides along, wherever it will.
From the bank's edge, with a soft push,
it sails into the reeds, without a rush.
The sun shines, the water gleams,
a picture that transcends time and space, it seems.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich habe keinen Motor, keinen Kiel,
und fahre auf dem Wasser, das ist mein Ziel.
Flach ist mein Boden, oft aus Holz gemacht,
im Spreewald werd' ich oft zur Fahrt gebracht.

Wer bin ich?

(I have no motor, no keel,
and travel on water, that's my deal.
My bottom is flat, often made of wood,
in the Spreewald, I'm often used for trips, understood.

What am I?)

✨ Other Information

• Etymology: The word Kahn likely originates from Middle Low German or Middle Dutch, originally referring to a small ship or boat.
• Famous Name: The surname Kahn is widespread; it gained international fame through the German football goalkeeper Oliver Kahn.
• Regional Significance: Especially in the Spreewald region (Brandenburg), the Kahn is not just a tourist attraction but was historically an important means of transport for mail, goods, and people.