Abwasser
/ˈapˌvasəʁ/neuter
The German word for sewage is Abwasser.
Abwasser refers to a suspension of water and waste.
Meaning: suspension of water and waste (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
This word is a compound of ab (off/away) and Wasser (water), which literally translates to 'away-water' or water that has been used and is being carried away.
How does it change in a sentence?
While the plural form is Abwässer, the singular Abwasser is frequently used as an uncountable mass noun in technical contexts. It is a neuter noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈapˌvasəʁ/
Did you know?
- Germany is famous for its 'Kanalisation', and in some historic cities, you can take guided tours of the sewage tunnels as a tourist attraction.
- The term Kläranlage for a sewage treatment plant literally means 'clarifying system', reflecting the German linguistic focus on the process of making the water clear again.
- In German environmental law, Abwasser is divided into graues Wasser (greywater) and schwarzes Wasser (blackwater) to distinguish between sink drainage and toilet waste.
Examples in context
- Die Abwasserleitung ist verstopft.The sewage pipe is obstructed.This sentence is useful for describing an obstructed sewage pipe.Tatoeba #458623 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1229347 by Scott
- Abwasser verunreinigt oft das Meer.Sewage often pollutes the ocean.This sentence is useful for discussing how sewage pollutes the ocean.Tatoeba #758645 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #681757 by Source_VOA
- Eine Abwasseraufbereitungsanlage hat giftige Chemikalien in das Trinkwasser der Stadt eingeleitet.A sewage treatment plant discharged toxic chemicals into the town's water supply.This sentence is useful for describing a sewage treatment plant discharging chemicals into a water supply.Tatoeba #3472315 by raggione, translation #3416318 by patgfisher
- Der Kanal transportiert das Abwasser effizient zur Kläranlage.The sewer efficiently transports the sewage to the treatment plant.
- Der Abfluss enthält verschmutztes Wasser und Abwasser.The drain contains dirty water and sewage.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Hannah are discussing environmental issues in a park.
- MaximilianSiehst du das Abwasser dort?Do you see the sewage there?
- HannahJa, es sieht sehr schmutzig aus.Yes, it looks very dirty.
- MaximilianDas ist ein großes Problem für die Natur.That is a big problem for nature.
- HannahDu hast recht, Maximilian.You are right, Maximilian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sewage” translations and entries Abwasser, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
