der  Tender

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈtɛndɐ/

🚂 What exactly is 'der Tender'?

The German word der Tender (masculine) has two main meanings, both borrowed from English:

1. Railways: A special car coupled directly behind a steam locomotive, carrying supplies like coal (or other fuel) and water. It tends to (supplies) the locomotive. 🚂💧

2. Shipping: A small auxiliary boat or shuttle boat that transports people or goods between a larger ship and the shore or other ships. 🚢↔️⚓

⚠️ Attention: In German, the term is almost exclusively used in these two technical contexts. The English meanings 'soft/gentle' or 'offer' (tender offer) are translated differently (zart, Angebot, Ausschreibung).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of 'der Tender' in Detail

The noun 'Tender' is masculine (maskulin) and is declined accordingly.

💬 Example Sentences

1. Der Tender versorgte die Dampflokomotive mit Kohle und Wasser.
   (The tender supplied the steam locomotive with coal and water.)

2. Der alte Tender wurde restauriert und steht nun im Museum.
   (The old tender was restored and is now in the museum.)

3. Die Passagiere wurden mit einem Tender vom Kreuzfahrtschiff an Land gebracht.
   (The passengers were brought ashore from the cruise ship by a tender.)

4. Der Kapitän rief den Tender per Funk.
   (The captain called the tender via radio.)

🚀 When to use 'der Tender'?

The term der Tender is specific and mainly used in technical or historical contexts:

• Railways: When discussing steam locomotives and their operation or history. You might hear der Schlepptender (towed tender).
• Shipping: In connection with large ships (cruise ships, yachts, warships) that cannot dock directly at the quay, or for transporting crew and materials. Here it's a synonym for Beiboot (lifeboat/dinghy) or Zubringerboot (shuttle boat).

In general everyday language, the word is quite rare unless you are specifically talking about trains or ships. It is clearly distinct from other meanings of the English word 'tender' (zart - soft/gentle, Angebot - offer).

💡 Mnemonics for 'der Tender'

• For the article 'der':

  Imagine a strong railway worker (masculine - der Mann) tending to der Tender, shoveling coal. Or think of der Kapitän commanding der Tender (boat).

• For the meaning:

  A tender tends to the needs of the locomotive (supplies fuel/water) or tends to the ship (ferries people/goods). It's the 'supplier' or 'shuttle'.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

🚨 Potential Confusion

Do not confuse with:

• die Ausschreibung / das Angebot (tender offer)
• zart / empfindlich (tender - soft/gentle)

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der kleine Max seinen Vater beim Anblick einer Dampflok: "Papa, warum braucht die Lokomotive diesen extra Wagen hinter sich?"
Antwortet der Vater: "Das ist der Tender, mein Sohn. Da sind die Getränke und Snacks für die lange Fahrt drin!" 😉

Translation:
Little Max asks his father while looking at a steam locomotive: "Dad, why does the locomotive need this extra car behind it?"
The father replies: "That's the tender, son. That's where they keep the drinks and snacks for the long journey!" 😉

📜 A Short Poem

Der Tender, treu und schwer beladen,
Folgt der Lok auf alten Pfaden.
Mit Kohle schwarz und Wasser klar,
Macht er die Dampf-Reise wahr.

Auch auf dem Meer, klein und geschwind,
Bringt Leute er zum Schiff, mein Kind.
Ein Helfer, stark und stets bereit,
Zu jeder Zeit, bei jeder Gezeit.

Translation:
The tender, loyal, heavily laden,
Follows the loco on old pathways.
With coal so black and water clear,
It makes the steam journey real.

Also at sea, small and swift,
It brings people to the ship, my child.
A helper, strong and ever ready,
At any time, at every tide.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich hänge an der Lok ganz brav,
und trage Wasser, bin nicht schlaff.
Auch Boote nennst du manchmal mich,
Bring Passagiere sicherl-ich
Von Bord zu Land, hin und zurück.
Wer bin ich? Rate mit Geschick!

Translation:
I hang obediently onto the loco,
And carry water, I'm not slow.
You sometimes call boats by my name,
Bringing passengers safely is my game,
From ship to shore, back and forth I flick.
Who am I? Guess with skill and quick!

Solution: der Tender

🌐 Other Information

Etymology: The German word 'Tender' was borrowed from English ('tender') in the 19th century. The English word comes from 'to tend' (to look after, serve, care for), which aptly describes the function of the railway tender.

Technical Development: Modern trains (diesel or electric locomotives, railcars) no longer have separate tenders in the original sense, as fuel or energy is supplied differently.