die  Wasserleitung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvasɐˌlaɪtʊŋ/

💧 What does "die Wasserleitung" mean?

Die Wasserleitung refers to a system of pipes (*Rohre*) used to transport water (*Wasser*) from a source (*Quelle*, e.g., waterworks or a well) to one or more points of consumption (*Verbrauchsorte*, e.g., buildings, apartments, gardens). It can refer to:

• A single pipe through which water flows (*Wasserrohr* - water pipe).
• The entire network of pipes within a building (*Hausinstallation* - plumbing system, sanitary installation).
• The main supply line that brings water to an area or building (*Hauptleitung* - water main, supply line).

It's a standard term in engineering and construction.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar and Declension of "Wasserleitung"

The noun "Wasserleitung" is feminine. Therefore, the correct article is "die". The ending "-ung" is a strong indicator for feminine nouns in German.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Klempner repariert die undichte Wasserleitung im Keller.
   (The plumber is repairing the leaky water pipe in the basement.)
2. Bei dem Rohrbruch wurde die Hauptwasserleitung beschädigt.
   (The main water pipe was damaged in the pipe burst.)
3. Die alten Wasserleitungen im Haus mussten komplett erneuert werden.
   (The old water pipes in the house had to be completely replaced.)
4. Durch die Wasserleitung fließt frisches Trinkwasser.
   (Fresh drinking water flows through the water pipe.)

🔧 How to use "die Wasserleitung"?

The term "Wasserleitung" is primarily used in technical, trade, and everyday contexts related to water supply.

• In construction and trades: When planning, installing, maintaining, or repairing plumbing and water supply systems. (e.g., "Die Verlegung der Wasserleitungen ist abgeschlossen." - "The installation of the water pipes is complete.")
• When problems occur: When discussing leaks, burst pipes, or blockages. (e.g., "Wir hatten einen Wasserschaden wegen einer geplatzten Wasserleitung." - "We had water damage because of a burst water pipe.")
• In everyday life: When talking about the source of tap water or the infrastructure in the house. (e.g., "Das Wasser aus der Wasserleitung ist hier von guter Qualität." - "The water from the tap (lit. water pipe) is of good quality here.")

Unlike a simple "Rohr" (pipe, which can be used for other purposes), "Wasserleitung" specifically implies the transport of water, usually drinking water.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

1. Article "die":

   Remember "die Leitung" (the line/pipe/conduit). Many German nouns ending in "-ung" are feminine. Think of water flowing through the (feminine, guiding) Leitung.

2. Meaning:

   Break down the word: Wasser (water) + Leitung (pipe/conduit/line). It's literally a 'line' or 'pipe' that 'leads' (leiten) water. Picture water 💧 flowing through a line 〰️.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar, potentially confusing terms:

• Heizungsrohr: Heating pipe (carries hot water for heating, not drinking water).
• Regenrinne/Fallrohr: Gutter/downspout (drains rainwater from the roof).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Klempnerlehrling seinen Meister: "Warum tropft die Wasserleitung eigentlich immer an der tiefsten Stelle?"
Meint der Meister trocken: "Wegen der Schwerkraft, du Genie. Oder hast du schon mal Wasser bergauf tropfen sehen?"

Translation: The plumber apprentice asks his master: "Why does the water pipe always drip at the lowest point?"
The master replies dryly: "Because of gravity, you genius. Or have you ever seen water drip uphill?" 😄

📜 Poem about the Wasserleitung

Die Wasserleitung, still und schlicht,
bringt täglich uns das klare Licht
des nassen Elements ins Haus,
für Dusche, Küche, Katz und Maus.

Versteckt in Wand und tief im Grund,
macht sie das Leben erst gesund.
Ein leises Rauschen, mehr ist's nicht,
bis mal ein Rohr unzeitig bricht!

Translation:
The water pipe, quiet and plain,
Brings daily to us the clear gain
Of the wet element inside,
For shower, kitchen, where pets hide.

Hidden in walls and deep in ground,
Makes life healthy all around.
A soft rush, nothing more to cite,
Until a pipe breaks, causing plight!

❓ Riddle

Ich bin ein langer, hohler Pfad,
verleg' mich durch die ganze Stadt.
Ich bring dir Wasser, kühl und rein,
doch sehen kannst du mich nur selten – wer mag ich sein?

Translation:
I am a long and hollow path,
Laid throughout the city's map.
I bring you water, cool and clean,
But rarely can I be seen – what might I be?

Solution: Die Wasserleitung (The water pipe / water main)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition:

"Wasserleitung" is a compound noun, composed of:

• das Wasser: The liquid H₂O (water).
• die Leitung: Derived from the verb "leiten" (to lead, guide, conduct), often used for pipes, cables, or lines. The "-ung" suffix typically makes nouns feminine.

Trivia:

• The first known large-scale water pipes (aqueducts) were built by the Romans and were masterpieces of engineering.
• Modern water pipes are often made of materials like copper, plastic (e.g., PE, PVC), or stainless steel. Lead was commonly used in the past but is now banned due to health risks.