Becher
/ˈbɛçɐ/masculine
The German word for mug is Becher. Wiktionary also lists Tasse.
Meaning: large cup (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Becher | /ˈbɛçɐ/ | masculine |
| Tasse | /ˈtasə/ | feminine |
The term refers to a large cup.
Which one should you use?
Becher is masculine, while Tasse is feminine.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Becher is also Becher. The plural of Tasse is Tassen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbɛçɐ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse the noun for a drinking vessel with the English verb 'to mug' (to rob). In German, the verb for robbing is ausrauben, which is a completely different word from Becher.
Did you know?
- The word Tasse entered the German language via Middle French and originally comes from the Arabic word ṭās.
- If you ask for a Becher at a bakery, you might actually be asking for a single serving of yogurt, as Becher is frequently used to describe the small plastic containers they use.
- The word Becher can also refer to a 'goblet' in historical or formal contexts, such as a royal wine vessel.
Examples in context
- Sein Becher ist rot.His mug is red.This sentence is useful for describing the color of a Becher.Tatoeba #8100263 by Luiaard, translation #6587561 by mojeanin
- Tom gab Mary eine Tasse.Tom gave Mary a mug.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use the word Tasse in a sentence.Tatoeba #11905866 by mhr, translation #12207284 by mayabe
- Woher hast du deinen Becher?Where did you get your mug?This sentence is useful for asking about the origin of a Becher.Tatoeba #12685244 by Waldelfe, translation #11892627 by Amastan
- Könnten Sie mir bitte einen Becher heißen Kakao bringen?Could you please bring me a cup of hot chocolate?
- Hast du meine neue Tasse gesehen? Sie hat eine lustige Form!Have you seen my new mug? It has a funny shape!
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are in the kitchen in the morning.
- FelixLaura, hast du meinen Becher gesehen?Laura, have you seen my mug?
- LauraNein, Felix, ich habe ihn nicht gesehen.No, Felix, I haven't seen it.
- FelixVielleicht steht er noch in der Spülmaschine.Maybe it is still in the dishwasher.
- LauraSchau mal, er steht hier auf dem Regal.Look, it is standing here on the shelf.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mug” translations and entries Becher, Tasse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Becher, Tasse, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
