der  Kanister

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkanɪstɐ/

📦 What exactly is a Kanister?

Der Kanister is a masculine noun. It refers to a portable, usually sealable container typically used for transporting and storing liquids. Common contents include fuel (Benzin - petrol/gasoline, Diesel), water (Wasser), oil (Öl), or other chemicals.

Kanister are often made of robust plastic or metal and usually have one or more handles (Griffe) and a spout (Ausgussöffnung). The classic shape is often rectangular or square to allow for space-saving storage.

🚨 There is only one article for Kanister: der.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar: Der Kanister in Detail

The word "Kanister" is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

1. Der rote Kanister steht in der Garage.
   (The red canister is in the garage.)
2. Der Griff des Kanisters ist abgebrochen.
   (The handle of the canister is broken.)
3. Gib mir bitte den Benzin aus dem Kanister.
   (Please give me the petrol from the canister.)
4. Ich habe den Kanister mit Wasser gefüllt.
   (I filled the canister with water.)
5. Die leeren Kanister müssen entsorgt werden.
   (The empty canisters must be disposed of.)
6. Wir lagern das Öl in den Kanistern.
   (We store the oil in the canisters.)

⛽ When to use "der Kanister"?

"Der Kanister" is frequently used in everyday language, especially in contexts related to vehicles, camping, gardening, or storing liquids.

• Vehicles: As a reserve container for petrol or diesel (Benzinkanister, Dieselkanister). "Ich habe immer einen vollen Kanister im Kofferraum." (I always have a full canister in the trunk/boot.)
• Camping & Leisure: For transporting drinking water or water for other purposes (Wasserkanister). "Wir brauchen noch einen Kanister für das Abwaschwasser." (We still need a canister for the dishwater.)
• Household & Garden: For storing things like distilled water, cleaning agents, or pesticides. "Der Kanister mit dem Unkrautvernichter steht im Schuppen." (The canister with the weed killer is in the shed.)
• Industry & Crafts: For oils, solvents, or other operating fluids.

The word is very specific to this type of container. While Behälter (container) or Gefäß (vessel) are more general terms, Kanister almost always refers to the typical plastic or metal shape with a handle.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

For the article (der): Think: You often need daring (sounds like 'der') to lift a full, heavy Kanister. Or, associate it with strong, masculine things often needing fuel/water from a Kanister (like a powerful car, der Wagen).

For the meaning: A Kanister looks like 'canister' in English, and it essentially is one. Also, it 'can' hold liquids - a Canister.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Watch out, don't confuse with:

• Die Kanne: Usually for pouring, often for drinks (Teekanne - teapot, Kaffeekanne - coffee pot) or watering (Gießkanne - watering can), different shape.
• Das Fass: Large, cylindrical container, often made of wood or metal (barrel, keg).
• Die Tonne: Large, often cylindrical container (Mülltonne - dustbin, Regentonne - rain barrel).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Tankwart den Autofahrer: "Normalbenzin oder Super?"
Antwortet der Autofahrer: "Egal, ist nur für den Rasenmäher im Kanister."
Sagt der Tankwart: "Dann nehmen Sie Super, dann mäht er schneller!"

Translation:
The gas station attendant asks the driver: "Regular or premium gas?"
The driver replies: "Doesn't matter, it's just for the lawnmower in the canister."
The attendant says: "Then take premium, it'll mow faster!"

📜 A Poem about the Kanister

Der Kanister, stark und dicht,
Bringt Benzin ans Tageslicht.
Ob rot, ob blau, ob schwarz, ob grün,
Lässt Motoren neu erblühn.
Mit Griff versehen, leicht zu tragen,
Löst er manche Transportfragen.

Translation:
The canister, strong and tight,
Brings gasoline to daylight.
Whether red, or blue, or black, or green,
Lets engines bloom anew, keen.
Equipped with handle, easy to bear,
It solves many transport cares.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich habe einen Bauch, doch keine Rippen,
Kann Flüssigkeit auf Reisen schicken.
Hab einen Griff, doch keine Hand,
Bin oft am Auto anzutreffen, auf dem Land.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I have a belly, but no ribs,
Can send liquids on trips.
Have a handle, but no hand,
Am often found near cars, across the land.

What am I?

Solution: Der Kanister (The canister/jerrycan)

🌐 Other Information

• Origin: The word "Kanister" likely comes from the English "canister" or the French "canistre", both derived from the Latin "canistrum" (woven basket). The meaning shifted towards a container.
• Materials: Originally often made of metal (sheet metal), today very commonly made of polyethylene (PE) or other robust plastics.
• Sizes: Typical sizes (typische Größen) are 5 liters, 10 liters, 20 liters, but smaller and larger versions also exist.
• The Jerrycan: The well-known metal canister type was developed in Germany during World War II (Wehrmacht-Einheitskanister) and was valued and copied by the Allies for its robustness and practical shape ("Jerrycan").