Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kiste | /ˈkɪstə/ | feminine |
| Kasten | /ˈkastn̩/ | masculine |
| Box | /bɔks/ | feminine |
| Karton | /karˈtɔ̃/ /karˈtoːn/ (Austria, Southern, especially) |
feminine |
These terms all refer to a cuboid space or container, but they are used for different types of objects.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the material and the specific use of the container. Use Karton specifically when referring to a cardboard box. Use Kiste for sturdier containers, such as a wooden crate or a large storage box. Use Kasten for standardized containers, such as a crate of fruit or a crate of beer. The word Box is also used for a container.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural forms of these nouns are as follows: the plural of Kiste is Kisten, the plural of Karton is Kartons and the plural of Kasten is Kästen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkɪstə/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to confuse the noun Box with the related verb boxen, which means to strike with the fists or to fight in a boxing match.
Did you know?
- The word Kiste can be used as a slang term for a 'cheap' or 'shabby' car, similar to calling a car a 'bucket of bolts' in English.
- While the English word 'cartoon' refers to an animated drawing, its German relative Karton refers specifically to a cardboard box.
- When talking about a 'box' in a theater or stadium, Germans use Loge instead of Kiste or Kasten.
Examples in context
- Was war in der Box?What was in the box?This sentence is useful for asking about the contents of a Box.Tatoeba #10017984 by Melang, translation #2647318 by CK
- Die Kiste ist voll.The box is full.This sentence is useful for describing the state of a Kiste.Tatoeba #10038313 by wolfgangth, translation #8878422 by Ergulis
- Ich habe keine Box.I don't have a box.This sentence is useful for stating that one does not possess a Box.Tatoeba #12388708 by mayabe, translation #259926 by CK
- Entschuldigen Sie, wo finde ich eine Schachtel?Excuse me, where can I find a box?
- Hast du eine Kiste, in der ich meine Bücher verstauen kann?Do you have a box where I can store my books?
- 333 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Julian are cleaning the attic.
- JuliaWo ist die Kiste?Where is the box?
- JulianDie Kiste steht dort drüben.The box is standing over there.
- JuliaIst die Kiste schwer?Is the box heavy?
- JulianJa, sie ist sehr schwer.Yes, it is very heavy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “box” translations and entries Kiste, Kasten, Box, Karton, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Box, Karton, Kasten, Kiste, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
