die  Wasserburg

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvasɐˌbʊʁk/

🏰 What Exactly is a Wasserburg?

A Wasserburg is a specific type of castle (Burg) whose main buildings or entire grounds are completely surrounded by a moat (Wassergraben) or a natural body of water (natürliches Gewässer) like a lake or river. The water (Wasser) originally served as a primary defensive element against attackers.

The word is feminine in German, so it's always die Wasserburg.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: die Wasserburg

The noun „Wasserburg“ is feminine. Here are the declension tables:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die alte Wasserburg thront majestätisch inmitten des Sees. (The old moated castle sits majestically in the middle of the lake.)
2. Wir besuchten die Ruine der Wasserburg aus dem Mittelalter. (We visited the ruins of the medieval moated castle.)
3. Der Legende nach spukt es in der Wasserburg. (According to legend, the moated castle is haunted.)
4. Viele Touristen fotografieren die Wasserburg von der Brücke aus. (Many tourists photograph the moated castle from the bridge.)
5. In Deutschland gibt es viele gut erhaltene Wasserburgen zu besichtigen. (In Germany, there are many well-preserved moated castles to visit.)

💡 How to Use "die Wasserburg"

The term Wasserburg is mainly used in historical and architectural contexts. It describes a specific type of castle.

• Context: History, architecture, tourism, historic preservation.
• Usage: To describe castles surrounded by water, often found in travel guides, historical texts, or during sightseeing tours.
• Differentiation: A Wasserburg is more specific than a general „Burg“ (castle) or „Festung“ (fortress). Not every castle is a Wasserburg. A „Höhenburg“ (hilltop castle), for example, is located on a hill, while a „Niederungsburg“ (lowland castle) is on flat terrain (which includes Wasserburgen).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Imagine a Queen (feminine, like 'die') elegantly residing in 'die' castle, which is securely surrounded by water. The Queen ('die') in the castle = die Wasserburg.

Meaning Mnemonic: The word clearly breaks down: Wasser (water) + Burg (castle) = A castle in/by the water.

🔄 Synonyms and Related Terms

⚠️ Note: A „Schloss“ (palace/château) is not always a „Burg“ (castle). Castles primarily had defensive purposes, while palaces served more representative and residential functions.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum haben Wasserburgen immer nasse Füße?

Weil sie im Wasser stehen und keine Gummistiefel tragen!

(Why do moated castles always have wet feet? Because they stand in the water and don't wear rubber boots!)

📜 A Poem about the Wasserburg

Im Wasser spiegelt sich der Turm,
Die alte Wasserburg trotzt Sturm.
Der Graben schützt vor Feindeshand,
Ein stolzes Bauwerk hier im Land.
Mauern erzählen leis' Geschicht',
Von Rittern, Glanz und Kerzenlicht.

(In water mirrors the tower tall,
The old moated castle withstands storm's call.
The moat protects from enemy hand,
A proud structure here in the land.
Walls softly tell history's lore,
Of knights, splendour, and candlelight's glow.)

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich trage Mauern, alt und grau,
bin aber stets umgeben von Blau (oder Grünlich-grau).
Mein Schutz ist flüssig, klar und kühl,
wer bin ich, mit historischem Gefühl?

(I wear walls, old and grey,
but am always surrounded by blue (or greenish-grey).
My protection is liquid, clear and cool,
who am I, with historical feel?)

Solution: die Wasserburg (the moated castle)

🧩 Word Components and Trivia

Word Composition:

The word „Wasserburg“ is a compound noun, made up of:

• das Wasser: the water (referring to the surrounding water body or moat)
• die Burg: the castle/fortified structure

Trivia:

Many famous castles and palaces in Germany are Wasserburgen, e.g., Mespelbrunn Castle or Vischering Castle.