der  Mülleimer

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈmʏlˌʔaɪ̯mɐ/

🗑️ What exactly is a Mülleimer?

A Mülleimer (der Mülleimer, plural: die Mülleimer) is a container used to collect waste (Müll) before it is disposed of. You find it in households, offices, public places, and basically anywhere waste might accumulate.

It's typically made of plastic or metal and often has a lid (Deckel) to contain odors and hide the contents.

There is only one article for Mülleimer: der. The word is masculine.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar & Declension: Der Mülleimer

The noun „Mülleimer“ is masculine. Here is its declension:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Bitte wirf den Abfall in den Mülleimer.
   (Please throw the trash into the trash can.)
2. Der Deckel des Mülleimers klemmt.
   (The lid of the trash can is stuck.)
3. Neben den Bänken stehen mehrere Mülleimer.
   (There are several trash cans next to the benches.)
4. In den Mülleimern war schon viel Unrat.
   (There was already a lot of rubbish in the trash cans.)

💡 How is "Mülleimer" used?

The term Mülleimer is the most common and general expression for a waste container in German-speaking areas. It's understood in almost all contexts, whether at home, in the office, or in public spaces.

• Everyday language: Used very frequently. "Bring bitte den Müll raus" (Please take the trash out) usually means taking the contents of the Mülleimer to the larger outdoor bin (Mülltonne).
• Synonyms: Abfalleimer is often used synonymously. Papierkorb specifically refers to a (often open) container for paper waste, usually in an office or study. Mistkübel is a variation mainly used in Austria. Kehrichteimer is mainly used in Switzerland.
• Distinction: A Mülltonne (often translated as 'dumpster' or 'wheelie bin') is usually larger than a Mülleimer and typically stands outdoors to collect waste from several households or an entire building for garbage collection (Müllabfuhr). In the UK, Mülleimer would typically be called a 'bin' or 'dustbin', while in the US, 'trash can' or 'garbage can' is more common.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Remembering the article: Think of the base word DER Eimer (the bucket/pail). 'Eimer' is masculine. Even if it's full of Müll (trash), it remains DER Eimer → der Mülleimer.

Remembering the meaning: Imagine throwing MÜLL (trash) into an EIMER (bucket). The compound word perfectly describes this: A bucket for trash = Mülleimer.

↔️ Synonyms & Contrasting Concepts

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Mülleimer eine Beförderung bekommen?

Weil er immer alles aufgenommen hat, was man ihm zugeworfen hat! 😂

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Why did the trash can get a promotion?

Because it always took whatever people threw at it! 😂

📜 A Little Poem

Der Mülleimer, grau und schlicht,
erfüllt im Haus 'ne wichtige Pflicht.
Was keiner braucht, was alt und leer,
nimmt er gern auf, es stört nicht mehr.
Mit Deckel zu, Geruch bleibt drin,
so hat das Chaos einen Sinn.

---

The trash can, gray and plain,
Fulfils an important duty in the home domain.
What no one needs, what's old and void,
It gladly takes, no longer annoyed.
With lid shut tight, smells stay inside,
Thus chaos finds a place to hide (or: finds its sense).

🧩 Riddle Time

Ich habe einen großen Mund, doch spreche nie.
Ich schlucke viel, doch hungrig bin ich nie.
Man füllt mich täglich, leert mich dann und wann.
Was bin ich?

Lösung: Der Mülleimer

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I have a big mouth, but never speak.
I swallow a lot, but am never hungry or weak.
People fill me daily, empty me now and then.
What am I?

Answer: The Mülleimer (trash can)

⚙️ Word Breakdown & Other Info

The word Mülleimer is a compound noun, composed of:

• Der Müll: trash, rubbish, waste, refuse.
• Der Eimer: bucket, pail.

Together, they logically mean: a bucket specifically for trash.

Trivia: The way trash cans are used and separated (general waste, organic waste, paper, etc.) often reflects a society's environmental awareness. Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are known for their detailed waste separation systems, so you'll often find multiple types of Mülleimer or Mülltonnen even within a household.