Eimer
/ˈaɪ̯mər/masculine
The English word bucket is translated into German as Eimer. Wiktionary also lists Kübel.
Meaning: container (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Eimer | /ˈaɪ̯mər/ | masculine |
| Kübel | /ˈkyːbəl/ | masculine |
Eimer is the most common and standard term for a bucket in German.
Which one should you use?
Eimer is the standard word for a typical bucket used for water or cleaning. In contrast, Kübel often refers to a larger, sturdier container or a bin, such as a waste bin or a large industrial bucket.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Eimer is also Eimer. The plural form of Kübel is also Kübel. Note that Eimer is a masculine noun, while Kübel is a neuter noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaɪ̯mər/
Did you know?
- If a German speaker says they are 'im Eimer', they are not inside a bucket, but are actually saying that something is 'broken' or 'ruined'.
- The word Kübel can be used to describe a car that is old, clunky, or aesthetically unappealing, similar to calling a car a 'bucket of bolts'.
- The word Kübel is a loanword from the Latin cūpula, which refers to a small pot or a rounded top.
Examples in context
- Wo ist der Eimer?Where's the bucket?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of the Eimer.Tatoeba #7290011 by Yorwba, translation #6917947 by Eccles17
- Der Eimer ist voll.The bucket is full.This sentence is useful for describing the state of the Eimer.Tatoeba #8280113 by Luiaard, translation #6580775 by Eccles17
- Ist Wasser im Eimer?Is there water in the bucket?This sentence is useful for asking if there is water inside the Eimer.Tatoeba #7801994 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6262319 by CK
- Bitte bringen Sie mir den Eimer für die Reinigung.Please bring me the bucket for cleaning.
- Könnten Sie den Kübel mit Wasser füllen, bitte?Could you please fill the bucket with water?
- 62 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are cleaning the garden.
- LauraKannst du mir den Eimer reichen?Can you pass me the bucket?
- LukasJa, hier ist er.Yes, here it is.
- LauraDer Eimer ist sehr schwer.The bucket is very heavy.
- LukasSoll ich ihn halten?Should I hold it?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bucket” translations and entries Eimer, Kübel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Eimer, Kübel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
