die  Kiste

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkɪstə/

📦 What does "die Kiste" mean?

The word die Kiste is a feminine noun and has several meanings:

• Main meaning: A container, usually rectangular and often made of wood, cardboard, or plastic, used for storing or transporting items. (e.g., eine Holzkiste - a wooden box/crate, eine Weinkiste - a wine crate, eine Werkzeugkiste - a toolbox)
• Colloquial (often derogatory):
  • An old, often dilapidated car. (e.g., "Meine alte Kiste schafft den Berg kaum noch." - "My old heap barely makes it up the hill.")
  • A computer (especially the tower/case). (e.g., "Die Kiste ist schon wieder abgestürzt." - "The computer crashed again.")
  • A bed. (e.g., "Ich bin müde, ich hau mich in die Kiste." - "I'm tired, I'm hitting the sack.")
  • A television or radio (rather outdated). (e.g., "Mach doch mal die Kiste leiser!" - "Turn the TV/radio down!")

⚠️ Pay attention to the context to understand the correct meaning, especially with the colloquial uses.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar of "die Kiste" in Detail

Die Kiste is a feminine noun. It follows the regular declension pattern for feminine nouns in German.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Wein wird in Kisten geliefert.
   (The wine is delivered in crates.)
2. Stell die Bücher bitte in die Kiste dort drüben.
   (Please put the books in the box over there.)
3. Er hat sich eine neue Kiste (Computer) gekauft.
   (He bought himself a new computer / "box".)
4. Mit dieser alten Kiste (Auto) will ich nicht mehr in den Urlaub fahren.
   (I don't want to go on vacation with this old heap / "box" anymore.)
5. Nach der Party fielen alle müde in die Kiste (Bett).
   (After the party, everyone tiredly crashed into bed / "the box".)

💡 How to use "die Kiste"?

The usage of "die Kiste" heavily depends on the context:

• Literal Meaning: In everyday life, "Kiste" is often used for simple containers, e.g., for moving (Umzugskiste - moving box), storage (Lagerkiste - storage crate), or goods (Obstkiste - fruit crate, Gemüsekiste - vegetable crate). It often implies something sturdier or larger than a "Schachtel" (small box).
• Colloquial Meanings:
  • Car: Mostly negative for an old, unreliable vehicle. (Synonyms: "Schrottkiste" - scrap box, "Rostlaube" - rust bucket)
  • Computer: Neutral to slightly negative for the PC tower. (Synonym: "Rechner" - computer/calculator)
  • Bed: Informal, often used in youth slang. ("Ab in die Kiste!" = Off to bed!)

Comparison:

• der Kasten: Similar to Kiste, but often implies more sturdy construction, sometimes made of metal or plastic. Can also refer to a mailbox (Briefkasten) or a junction box (Schaltkasten).
• die Schachtel: Usually smaller and made of cardboard (Zigarettenschachtel - cigarette pack, Streichholzschachtel - matchbox).
• der Behälter: A general term for any container.

🧠 Mnemonics for "die Kiste"

For the article 'die': Think of "die Kiste" as a feminine box – the 'e' sound at the end helps remember it's 'die'. Like 'she' is feminine in English.

For the meanings: Imagine packing your old car (Kiste), your old computer (Kiste), and your bedding for the night (going 'in die Kiste') into a large wooden crate (Kiste) – four 'Kisten' in one!

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Kiste

⚠️ Similar Words:

• die Küste: Don't confuse! Die Küste means 'the coast'. Sounds similar, but completely different meaning.
• das Kissen: Means 'pillow' or 'cushion'.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Computer Schnupfen?

(Why does the computer have a cold?)

Weil er zu lange ohne Gehäuse, also nackt in seiner Kiste stand und die Windows offen waren!

(Because it stood naked in its case (Kiste) for too long with the Windows open!)

📜 Poem about the Kiste

Die Kiste, stark und meist aus Holz,
trägt Äpfel, Wein, mit Stolz.
Mal ist sie alt, fährt kaum noch weit,
ein Auto voller Müdigkeit.
Mal rechnet sie, ein heller Geist,
der PC, der oft Kiste heißt.
Und abends ruft sie leis und sacht:
"Komm her, ruh aus, für eine Nacht!"

---
The box, quite strong and mostly wood,
\Carries apples, wine, as proud it stood.
\Sometimes it's old, can barely drive,
A car so tired, scarce alive.
\Sometimes it computes, a mind so bright,
\The PC, called a 'Kiste' day and night.
\And evening calls, soft and low:
\Come rest here now, the day let go!"

❓ Riddle

Ich habe vier Ecken, doch bin kein Raum.
Ich trage Schätze, man glaubt es kaum.
Mal bin ich ein Auto, das ächzt und kracht,
mal ein Computer bei Tag und Nacht.
Manchmal schläfst du auch in mir tief.
Was bin ich, sag schnell, sei nicht schief!

---
I have four corners, but am not a room.
I carry treasures, dispelling gloom.
Sometimes I'm a car that groans and cracks,
Sometimes a computer for tasks and tracks.
Sometimes you sleep inside me deep.
What am I? Tell me, secrets to keep!

Solution: die Kiste (the box/crate/old car/computer/bed)

🧩 Other Information

Word Compounds: "Kiste" is a common component in German compound words:

• Holzkiste (wooden box/crate)
• Werkzeugkiste (toolbox)
• Obstkiste (fruit crate)
• Schatzkiste (treasure chest)
• Umzugskiste (moving box)
• Munitionskiste (ammunition box)
• Sandkiste (sandpit/sandbox for children)

Origin: The word "Kiste" comes from the Latin word cista, which also meant "box" or "chest" and was borrowed from Greek (kístē).