die
Tasse
☕ What exactly is a Tasse?
Die Tasse (noun, feminine) refers to a small, open drinking vessel, typically with a handle, primarily used for hot beverages like coffee or tea (Kaffee oder Tee). It's usually made of porcelain (Porzellan), ceramic (Keramik), or glass (Glas).
Unlike a Becher, which often lacks a handle and might be larger, die Tasse is traditionally the vessel for a set table or a coffee break (Kaffeepause).
There are no other articles for "Tasse"; it's always feminine (feminin).
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
📝 Grammar & Declension of Tasse
The word "Tasse" is a feminine noun. The article is always "die". Here are the declension tables (Deklinationstabellen):
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Tasse |
| Genitive | der | Tasse |
| Dative | der | Tasse |
| Accusative | die | Tasse |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Tassen |
| Genitive | der | Tassen |
| Dative | den | Tassen |
| Accusative | die | Tassen |
Example Sentences
- Kannst du mir bitte die Tasse reichen? (Can you please pass me the cup?)
- Der Henkel der Tasse ist abgebrochen. (The handle of the cup is broken.)
- Ich gebe der Tasse noch etwas Zucker hinzu. (Literally: I add some sugar to the cup. Colloquially means adding sugar to the contents.)
- Stell die Tassen bitte in die Spülmaschine. (Please put the cups in the dishwasher.)
🗣️ How to use "Tasse"?
"Die Tasse" is frequently used in everyday life (Alltag), especially concerning drinks:
- Typical Beverages: Coffee (Kaffee), tea (Tee), hot chocolate (Kakao), cappuccino. People often say "eine Tasse Kaffee" (a cup of coffee) or "eine Tasse Tee" (a cup of tea).
- Context: Breakfast (Frühstück), coffee break (Kaffeepause), cozy get-togethers (gemütliches Beisammensein).
- Distinction: A Tasse usually has a handle (Henkel) and often a matching saucer (Untertasse). A Becher often has no handle, is more cylindrical, and can also be used for cold drinks or other purposes (e.g., Zahnputzbecher - toothbrush holder). A Glas is typically made of glass and intended for cold drinks.
- Idiom: "Nicht alle Tassen im Schrank haben" (literally: to not have all cups in the cupboard) means to be crazy or nuts. Example: Er springt bei Regen in den See? Der hat wohl nicht alle Tassen im Schrank! (He jumps into the lake when it's raining? He must be crazy!)
🧠 Mnemonics for Tasse
Article Mnemonic (die): Think of a lady (associated with die) delicately sipping tea from a fine porcelain Tasse. Feminine elegance fits "die".
Meaning Mnemonic: The sound "Tass-" might remind you of the taste of the coffee or tea you drink from die Tasse.
🔄 Synonyms & Opposites
Synonyms (Similar Words)
- Pott (der): Colloquial, often for a larger, sturdier cup or mug, sometimes without a handle.
- Häferl (das): Austrian/Bavarian for cup, often slightly larger and thicker.
- Becher (der): A drinking vessel without a handle, often made of plastic, paper, or metal, also used for cold drinks. Can sometimes be used synonymously if the handle isn't important (e.g., Kaffeebecher - coffee mug/cup).
Antonyms (Opposing Concepts)
There isn't a direct antonym. However, vessels for other purposes or materials could be considered opposites:
- Glas (das): Typically for cold drinks, transparent.
- Flasche (die): A closed container for storing and transporting liquids (bottle).
- Kanne (die): A larger vessel for pouring drinks (coffee pot, teapot).
⚠️ Similar Sounding Words
- Taste (die): Key (on a keyboard or device).
😂 A Little Joke
German: Warum hat die Kaffeetasse den Therapeuten aufgesucht? – Weil sie zu viele Probleme aufgestaut hatte!
English: Why did the coffee cup go to the therapist? – Because it had too many problems stored up (aufgestaut also means 'dammed up' or 'pent up')! 😄
✒️ Poem about the Tasse
Die Tasse klein, mit Henkel dran,
fängt jeden Morgen freundlich an.
Ob Kaffee schwarz, ob Tee mit Milch,
sie wärmt die Hand, ganz sicherlich.
Aus Porzellan, Keramik fein,
schenkt sie uns Gemütlichkeit ein.
--- English Translation ---
The little cup, with handle near,
Starts every morning, full of cheer.
With coffee black, or tea so white,
It warms the hand, a pure delight.
Of porcelain, ceramic fine,
It pours us coziness, divine.
❓ Riddle
German:
Ich habe einen Bauch, doch kann nichts essen.
Ich habe einen Griff, doch kann nichts fassen.
Man füllt mich heiß, man trinkt mich leer,
was bin ich wohl, sag an, wer?
--- English Translation ---
I have a belly, but cannot eat.
I have a handle, but cannot grasp.
I'm filled up hot, then drunk down neat,
What am I then, tell me fast?
Answer: Die Tasse (The cup)
💡 Other Interesting Facts
- Etymology: The word "Tasse" comes from the Italian word tazza, which also means a drinking cup.
- Compounds: There are many compound words (Komposita) with "Tasse", e.g., Kaffeetasse (coffee cup), Teetasse (tea cup), Espressotasse (espresso cup), Mokkatasse (mocha cup).
- Untertasse (die): The small plate often placed under the cup (the saucer) to catch drips or hold the spoon.
- Cultural Significance: The coffee cup or tea cup (Kaffeetasse / Teetasse) is a symbol of hospitality (Gastfreundschaft), breaks (Pause), and social exchange in many cultures.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Tasse?
The German word for "cup" is Tasse and it is always feminine. The correct article is die: die Tasse (singular) and die Tassen (plural).