die
Wasserversorgung
💧 What does 'die Wasserversorgung' mean?
Die Wasserversorgung refers to the system, process, or the entirety of measures necessary to supply households, industry, and agriculture with water, especially drinking water (Trinkwasser). It encompasses the extraction (Gewinnung), treatment (Aufbereitung), storage (Speicherung), and distribution (Verteilung) of water.
It's a central component of public services (öffentliche Daseinsvorsorge) and infrastructure (Infrastruktur). A well-functioning Wasserversorgung is essential for health (Gesundheit), hygiene (Hygiene), and economic development (wirtschaftliche Entwicklung).
⚠️ The word is almost exclusively used in the singular when referring to the general process. The plural (die Wasserversorgungen) is rare and refers to multiple, independent supply systems or companies.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ung → always feminine.
There are many -ung words, we won't list them all. There are only a few exceptions.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Wasserversorgung
The noun 'Wasserversorgung' is feminine. The correct article is therefore 'die'.
Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Wasserversorgung |
| Genitive | der | Wasserversorgung |
| Dative | der | Wasserversorgung |
| Accusative | die | Wasserversorgung |
Note: The plural 'die Wasserversorgungen' is rarely used and follows the standard declension for feminine nouns ending in '-ung'.
Example Sentences
- Die Wasserversorgung in dieser Region ist sehr zuverlässig.
(The water supply in this region is very reliable.) - Wegen der Dürre gab es Probleme mit der Wasserversorgung.
(Due to the drought, there were problems with the water supply.) - Die Stadtwerke sind für die Wasserversorgung zuständig.
(The municipal utilities are responsible for the water supply.)
⚙️ How 'die Wasserversorgung' is Used
The term 'Wasserversorgung' is used in various contexts:
- Public Infrastructure: In the context of cities, municipalities, and the government's task of supplying the population with drinking water (e.g., die kommunale Wasserversorgung - the municipal water supply).
- Technology & Engineering: Describing technical facilities like waterworks (Wasserwerke), pipelines (Rohrleitungen), pumping stations (Pumpstationen), etc. (e.g., Planung der Wasserversorgung - planning the water supply).
- Business: Referring to companies that supply water (Wasserversorgungsunternehmen - water supply companies).
- Environment & Resource Management: Discussing water extraction (Wassergewinnung), water scarcity (Wasserknappheit), and sustainable use of water resources.
It's a rather formal and technical term but is also used in general language when talking about the availability of tap water (Leitungswasser).
🧠 Mnemonics for Wasserversorgung
Article Mnemonic
Nouns ending in -ung in German are almost always feminine ('die'). Think of the ending 'ung' like a long thing, like a pipeline (Leitung) needed for supply (Versorgung). Pipelines are long 'she's -> 'die'. So: die Wasserversorgung.
Meaning Mnemonic
Break it down: Wasser is 'water'. Versorgung sounds like 'for-sore-gung' -> 'for supplying'. So, it's the 'supplying of water' -> water supply.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Trinkwasserversorgung: More specific, emphasizes the supply of drinking water.
- Wasserbereitstellung: Similar, emphasizes the act of making water available.
- Wasserlieferung: Focuses on the transport/delivery of water.
- Wasserwirtschaft (Partial overlap): Broader term, also includes wastewater management, etc.
Antonyms (Opposites)
- Wassermangel: Water shortage, lack of availability.
- Wasserknappheit: Water scarcity, limited availability of resources.
- Dürre: Drought, extended period of severe water shortage.
- (No direct antonym for the system/process itself)
Potentially Confusing Words: Sometimes 'Wasserwirtschaft' (water management) is used synonymously, but 'Wasserversorgung' is specifically focused on the provision/supply aspect.
😂 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Wasserhahn schlechte Laune?
Weil er immer alles rauslassen muss, was die Wasserversorgung ihm liefert!
(Why is the water tap in a bad mood?
Because it always has to let out everything the water supply delivers!)
📜 Poem about Supply
Aus tiefem Grund, durch Rohr und Schacht,
Wird reines Wasser uns gebracht.
Die Wasserversorgung, Tag und Nacht,
Hat unser Wohl stets gut bedacht.
Ein klarer Fluss aus dem Hahn,
So fängt das Leben täglich an.
(From deep ground, through pipe and shaft,
Pure water is brought to us.
The water supply, day and night,
Has always considered our well-being.
A clear river from the tap,
Thus life begins each day.)
❓ Riddle Time
Ich bringe das Nass von fern zu dir,
Ins Haus, in Küche und Revier.
Ohne mich wärst du schnell verdurstet,
Obwohl du mich selten nur bemerkst und bustest.
Was bin ich?
Lösung: Die Wasserversorgung
(I bring the wetness from afar to you,
Into the house, kitchen, and domain.
Without me, you'd quickly be thirsty,
Although you rarely notice me.
What am I?
Solution: The water supply)
💡 Trivia & Composition
Word Composition
The word 'Wasserversorgung' is a compound noun, composed of:
- Wasser (das): Water (H₂O).
- Versorgung (die): Supply, provision (derived from 'versorgen' - to supply, to provide for).
Trivia
Germany's water supply (Wasserversorgung) is considered one of the safest and highest quality systems worldwide. Responsibility usually lies with municipal utilities (Stadtwerke) or water associations (Wasserverbände).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Wasserversorgung?
The word 'Wasserversorgung' is feminine. The correct article is die. It refers to the system or process of providing water, especially drinking water.