der  Krug

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/kʁuːk/

🏺 What Exactly is a 'Krug'?

A Krug (noun, masculine, article: der) is a bulbous vessel for drinking or pouring, usually with a handle (der Henkel) and sometimes a spout (der Ausguss) or lid (der Deckel). Krüge (plural) are often made of ceramic (Keramik), stoneware (Steingut), glass (Glas), or pewter (Zinn).

Main Meanings:

• Vessel: For storing and pouring liquids like water (Wasser), beer (Bier), wine (Wein), or milk (Milch). (e.g., Bierkrug - beer mug/stein, Wasserkrug - water jug/pitcher)
• Unit of Measure: Historically, 'Krug' could also be a unit of measurement for liquids.
• Pub/Inn (regional): In some regions of Germany, 'Krug' also refers to a simple pub or inn (e.g., Dorfkrug - village pub). 🍻

Since the word only takes the article 'der', there are no different meanings associated with different articles. ⚠️ Be careful not to confuse 'Krug' with 'Kranich' (der Kranich - the crane, a bird), although they might sound somewhat similar.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📘 Grammar Guide: 'Der Krug' in Detail

The noun 'der Krug' is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

Example Sentences

1. Der Kellner brachte einen Krug Bier an den Tisch.
   (The waiter brought a jug/mug of beer to the table.)
2. Der Henkel des Kruges ist abgebrochen. (or: des Krugs)
   (The handle of the jug/mug is broken.)
3. Wir trafen uns im alten Dorfkrug.
   (We met at the old village pub.)
4. Die Töpferin formte schöne Krüge aus Ton.
   (The potter formed beautiful jugs/pitchers out of clay.)

💡 How to Use 'der Krug' Correctly

The term 'der Krug' is mostly used in the context of drinks and vessels. Here are some typical contexts:

• For drinking: Beer is often served in a Krug (Bierkrug, Maßkrug at Oktoberfest). Water (Wasserkrug), wine (Weinkrug), or juice (Saftkrug) can also be served in jugs/pitchers at the table.
• As a container: Generally as a vessel for storing or transporting liquids.
• In pubs/inns: The regional meaning as a pub or inn (e.g., "Zum grünen Krug" - "The Green Jug/Inn").

Distinguishing from similar words:

• Kanne (die): Often taller and slimmer than a Krug, frequently used for coffee or tea (Kaffeekanne), sometimes also for oil or petrol (Benzinkanne - jerrycan). The distinction can be blurry.
• Becher (der): Usually smaller, without a handle or spout, for drinking directly (Trinkbecher - drinking cup/beaker).
• Humpen (der): Similar to a Bierkrug, often made of pewter or stoneware, sometimes with a lid.

The phrase "Der Krug geht so lange zum Brunnen, bis er bricht" is a well-known proverb, meaning that wrongdoing or risky behavior will eventually have consequences ("The pitcher goes to the well so often that it is broken at last.").

🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Krug'

Here are some memory aids for the article and meaning:

Article 'der': Imagine a strong man (der Mann) drinking G-R-O-G from der K-R-U-G. Both 'Grog' and 'Krug' have 'r' and 'g'. He's strong, so it's der Krug.

Meaning 'jug/pitcher': The word Krug sounds a bit like "crock" (as in crock of gold, or a stoneware crock). Picture a sturdy crock or jug.

🔄 Similar and Opposing Terms

Watch out for similar-sounding words:

• Krag (der): The collar of a shirt or jacket. Sounds similar!

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Bierkrug aufgehört, Witze zu erzählen?

Weil ihm ständig der Schaum ausging! 😉

---

Why did the beer mug stop telling jokes?

Because it kept running out of foam (head)! 😉

📜 A Poem about the 'Krug'

Ein Krug aus Ton, so stark und fest,
hält kühles Nass fürs Freudenfest.
Mit Henkel dran, gut in der Hand,
steht er gefüllt am Wiesenrand.
Ob Bier, ob Wasser, klar und rein,
schenkt uns der alte Krug gern ein.

---

A jug of clay, so strong and tight,
Holds cooling drink for festive light.
With handle held within the hand,
It stands filled up on meadow land.
Be it beer or water, pure and clear,
The old jug serves us gladly here.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich habe einen Bauch, doch keine Organe.
Ich habe einen Henkel, doch keine Tasche.
Ich trage Flüssigkeit, doch kann nicht trinken.
Manchmal bin ich aus Ton, manchmal glänze ich schick.

Was bin ich?

---

I have a belly, but no organs.
I have a handle, but no bag.
I carry liquid, but cannot drink.
Sometimes I'm made of clay, sometimes I shine chic.

What am I?

Solution: Der Krug (the jug/pitcher/mug)

🧐 Trivia and Origin

Etymology: The word 'Krug' comes from the Old High German 'kruog' and has been documented since the 8th century. Even then, it referred to a bulbous vessel.

Cultural Significance: Especially the Bierkrug (beer mug/stein, also known as Maßkrug or Seidel) holds significant cultural importance in Germany, particularly in Bavaria (e.g., Oktoberfest 🥨).

Idiom: "Der Krug geht so lange zum Brunnen, bis er bricht." – Literally: "The jug goes to the well until it breaks." A warning that risky or wrong actions won't go well forever. Equivalent to "The pitcher goes to the well so often that it is broken at last."

Compounds: There are many compound words, such as Bierkrug (beer mug), Wasserkrug (water jug), Weinkrug (wine jug), Milchkrug (milk jug), Steinkrug (stoneware jug), Tonkrug (clay jug), Glaskrug (glass jug), Zinnkrug (pewter tankard), Dorfkrug (village pub).