Kiste
/ˈkɪstə/feminine
The English word crate can be translated into German as Kiste or Kasten.
Meaning: box or basket (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kiste | /ˈkɪstə/ | feminine |
| Kasten | /ˈkastn̩/ | masculine |
Both words refer to a box or a basket.
Which one should you use?
Kiste is the standard German word for a crate or box used throughout most of the German-speaking world. Kasten is a regional alternative.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Kasten is a regional form of the word.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Kiste is Kisten, while the plural of Kasten is Kästen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkɪstə/
Did you know?
- In casual conversation, Kiste is a common slang term for a television set or an old, unreliable car.
- The idiom die Kiste zumachen literally means 'to close the box' but is used to signal the definitive end of a relationship or a project.
- In German, a 'Kasten' can also refer to a 'case' of beer, making it common to order a 'Kasten Bier' when hosting a large party.
Examples in context
- Eine Kiste fehlt noch.One crate is still missing.Tatoeba #7459683 by Luiaard, translation #3822398 by CK
- Der Kasten wiegt zehn Kilogramm.The crate weighs ten kilos.Tatoeba #1428451 by Esperantostern, translation #11828530 by sundown
- Tom hat eine Kiste Bier mitgebracht.Tom brought a crate of beer.Tatoeba #8692103 by Luiaard, translation #8692227 by Luiaard
- Meine Firma benötigt eine Holzkiste für den Versand der Waren.My company needs a wooden crate for shipping the goods.
- Bitte legen Sie die Bauteile in den Behälter.Please place the components in the crate.
- Kannst du bitte den Kasten mit den Büchern herüberbringen?Can you please bring over the crate with the books?
- Bitte bring mir den Karton mit den Weihnachtsdekorationen aus dem Keller.Please bring me the cardboard crate with the Christmas decorations from the basement.
- Ist die Holzkiste stabil genug für den Transport?Is the wooden crate sturdy enough for transportation?
- Ist dieser Kasten groß genug für die gesamte Umzugsladung?Is this crate big enough for the entire move?
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are moving items into a new apartment.
- SarahMaximilian, wo soll diese Kiste hin?Maximilian, where should this crate go?
- MaximilianStell die Kiste bitte in die Küche.Please put the crate in the kitchen.
- SarahIst sie sehr schwer?Is it very heavy?
- MaximilianNein, die Kiste ist ganz leicht.No, the crate is very light.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “crate” translations and entries Kiste, Kasten, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
