der  Tank

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/taŋk/

⛽ What exactly does "der Tank" mean? 🛡️

The German word der Tank primarily has two meanings:

• 1. Container for liquids: This is the most common meaning in everyday life. It refers to a container, usually for storing fuel (Benzin, Diesel) in vehicles (Auto, Motorrad, Flugzeug) or for heating oil (Heizöl) in houses. Water containers can also be called Tank (e.g., Wassertank).
  Example: Der Tank meines Autos ist fast leer. (My car's tank is almost empty.)
• 2. Armored fighting vehicle (Panzer): In a military context, der Tank refers to a heavy, armored, and armed fighting vehicle that runs on tracks. This meaning was adopted from English (originally a codename during World War I).
  Example: Im Museum steht ein alter Tank aus dem Zweiten Weltkrieg. (There's an old tank from World War II in the museum.)

🚨 Important: Although both meanings exist, the context usually makes it clear which one is intended. The word is always masculine (der).

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar of "der Tank" at a Glance

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

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

📝 Example Sentences

• Der Tank des Motorrads fasst 15 Liter.
  (The motorcycle's tank holds 15 liters.) (Nominative Singular, Meaning: container)
• Der Deckel des Tanks ist locker.
  (The lid of the tank is loose.) (Genitive Singular, Meaning: container)
• Wir näherten uns dem Tank vorsichtig.
  (We approached the tank cautiously.) (Dative Singular, Meaning: military vehicle)
• Ich muss den Tank füllen.
  (I need to fill the tank.) (Accusative Singular, Meaning: container)
• Die neuen Tanks wurden an die Front geliefert.
  (The new tanks were delivered to the front.) (Nominative Plural, Meaning: military vehicle)

How is "der Tank" used? 🤔

The usage of der Tank heavily depends on the context:

• In everyday life (container): People talk about the Tank in relation to vehicles (Autotank, Motorradtank), heating systems (Heizöltank), or water storage (Wassertank). The verb tanken (to fill up with fuel) is directly derived from it.
• In military/history contexts (armored vehicle): Here, der Tank specifically refers to the combat vehicle. This meaning is used in historical documentaries, news about military technology, or museums. Often, the German word Panzer is used synonymously and is more precise.

Confusion is rare because the context (gas station vs. battlefield) is usually clear.

💡 Mnemonics for "der Tank"

For the article: Imagine a strong, masculine military tank (Panzer). Der Tank (whether container or military vehicle) feels robust and masculine – therefore, der Tank.

For the meanings: Think of the English word "tank". It sounds identical and has the same two main meanings: a container (like a fish tank or fuel tank) and the military vehicle.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Words

⚠️ Similar Sounding Words (Careful!)

• Die Tanke: Colloquial term for die Tankstelle (the gas station).
• Tanken: The verb, meaning to refuel.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Skelette kein Benzin an der Tankstelle?
(Why don't skeletons get gas at the gas station?)

Weil sie keinen Tank haben, nur Knochen!
(Because they don't have a tank, just bones!)

📜 A Little Poem about the Tank

Der Tank, mal groß, mal klein,
(The tank, sometimes big, sometimes small,)
hält Flüssigkeit fein.
(Holds liquid just fine.)
Ob Sprit fürs Auto schnell,
(Whether fuel for the car fast,)
Ob Wasser klar und hell.
(Or water clear and bright.)

Doch rollt er schwer und laut,
(But if it rolls heavy and loud,)
hat Stahlhaut ihm gebaut,
(Has steel skin built for it,)
Der Tank auf Ketten breit,
(The tank on tracks wide,)
ist er zur Wehr bereit.
(It is ready to fight.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich habe einen Bauch, doch kann nicht essen.
(I have a belly, but cannot eat.)
Man füllt mich oft, darf's nie vergessen.
(I'm often filled, must never forget.)
Ich diene Autos auf der Reise,
(I serve cars on their journey,)
Mal laut, mal ganz, ganz leise.
(Sometimes loud, sometimes very, very quiet.)

Manchmal bin ich grün und trage Ketten,
(Sometimes I'm green and wear tracks/chains,)
Kann auf dem Schlachtfeld Leben retten (oder nehmen).
(Can save (or take) lives on the battlefield.)

Wer bin ich, in zweierlei Gestalt?
(Who am I, in two forms?)

Solution: der Tank

🌐 Other Information

• Etymology: The word "Tank" was adopted from English in the late 19th century, initially for large water containers (like those used in India). The military meaning was added during World War I, when "tank" was a British codename for the new combat vehicles.
• Compounds: There are many compound words with "Tank" in German, e.g., Tankstelle (gas station), tanken (to refuel), Tankwart (gas station attendant), Tankschiff (tanker ship), Tanklaster (tanker truck), Benzintank (gas tank), Wassertank (water tank), Öltank (oil tank), Panzertank (military tank).