der  Springbrunnen

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃpʁɪŋˌbʁʊnən/

⛲ What exactly is a Springbrunnen?

A Springbrunnen (noun, masculine) is usually an artificial installation where water is ejected under pressure, often for decorative purposes. You frequently find *Springbrunnen* in parks, gardens, squares, or courtyards.

The article is always der: der Springbrunnen (the fountain).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar: Declining der Springbrunnen

The word *Springbrunnen* is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

Examples:

1. Der alte Springbrunnen im Schlosspark plätschert leise.
   (The old fountain in the castle park splashes quietly.)
2. Wir bewunderten das Farbenspiel des beleuchteten Springbrunnens am Abend.
   (We admired the play of colours of the illuminated fountain in the evening.)
3. Die Kinder liefen lachend um den Springbrunnen herum.
   (The children ran laughing around the fountain.)
4. Viele Städte haben beeindruckende Springbrunnen auf ihren Hauptplätzen.
   (Many cities have impressive fountains in their main squares.)

💡 Everyday Usage of Springbrunnen

The term Springbrunnen is used to describe decorative water features. It's widely used in general German.

• Context: *Architecture, garden design (Gartengestaltung), urban planning (Stadtplanung), public art (Kunst im öffentlichen Raum).*
• Typical Locations: *Parks* (e.g., "der Park hat einen schönen Springbrunnen" - the park has a beautiful fountain), *gardens* (Gärten), *public squares* (öffentliche Plätze), *courtyards* (Innenhöfe), sometimes even inside buildings (*Einkaufszentren* - shopping malls).
• Comparison: A normal *Brunnen* primarily serves(d) for drawing water, while a *Springbrunnen* is mainly decorative, often with water pumped in a cycle. A *Fontäne* is a very similar word, often used for larger, more imposing installations.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article: Imagine a strong man, maybe Thor (sounds a bit like *der*?), installing der heavy stone Springbrunnen. Masculine strength for *der*.

Meaning: The water springs from the *Brunnen* (fountain/well) – it's a Springbrunnen!

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Springbrunnen aufgehört zu sprudeln?
Er hatte den Wasserhahn zugedreht – er wollte mal Pause machen! 😉

(Why did the fountain stop bubbling?
It turned off the tap – it wanted to take a break!)

📜 A Little Poem

Im Park, so grün und weit,
Der Springbrunnen, zur Freud bereit.
Sein Wasser tanzt im Sonnenlicht,
Ein kühles, funkelndes Gedicht.
Er plätschert leis', erzählt im Traum,
Vom Leben hier im Wasserraum.

(In the park, so green and wide,
The fountain, ready for joy inside.
Its water dances in the sunlight,
A cool, sparkling poem, bright.
It splashes softly, tells in a dream,
Of life here in the watery stream.)

❓ Who am I? A Riddle

Ich tanze hoch, ich falle tief,
doch nasse Füße krieg' ich nie.
Im Garten steh' ich oder Park,
mein Wasser ist mein Lebensmark.
Ich springe, doch ich hüpfe nicht.
Wer bin ich, sag's mir ins Gesicht?

(I dance high, I fall deep,
but wet feet I never keep.
In the garden I stand, or park,
my water is my vital spark.
I spring, but I do not leap.
Who am I? Tell me before I weep?)

Solution: Der Springbrunnen (The fountain)

✨ Interesting Facts about the Springbrunnen

Word Composition:

The word is composed of:

• springen: meaning 'to jump' or 'to spring', referring to the shooting water.
• Brunnen: meaning 'well' or 'fountain', referring to the water source or basin.

So, literally a "jumping fountain".

Cultural Notes:

Fountains (*Springbrunnen*) have been popular elements in architecture and garden art since antiquity. They often symbolize life, abundance, and joy. Famous examples include the Trevi Fountain in Rome or the water features (*Wasserspiele*) of Versailles.