Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Schwimmbecken | /ˈʃvɪmˌbɛkn̩/ | neuter |
| Pool | /puːl/ | masculine |
| Freibad | [fʁaɪbat] (narrow) | neuter |
German uses different terms depending on the size, location and context of the pool. While Schwimmbecken and Pool can refer to any type of pool, Freibad is used specifically for an outdoor swimming pool. If you are referring to an indoor swimming pool, the term Hallenbad is typically used instead.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Schwimmbecken is a compound noun consisting of schwimmen (to swim) and Becken (basin or pool).
Which one should you use?
Pool is often used to refer to a private or smaller swimming pool, while Schwimmbecken sounds more technical or refers to a large-scale facility. Freibad is a specific term for an outdoor swimming pool, whereas Schwimmbecken and Pool are more general.
How does it change in a sentence?
Schwimmbecken is a neuter noun, and its plural form is identical to its singular form. Pool is a masculine noun, and its plural form is Pools.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃvɪmˌbɛkn̩/
Did you know?
- In German, the word Becken is also the anatomical term for the human pelvis, meaning the same word describes both a swimming pool and a part of the skeleton.
- The Freibad is often associated with the Schwimmbadaufsicht, the lifeguards who are known for being exceptionally strict about jumping or running on the tiles.
- In Germany, the Freibad culture is so strong that many towns have a Strandbad, which is a swimming pool attached to a natural beach or lake shore.
Examples in context
- Wo ist der Pool?Where's the swimming pool?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of the Pool.Tatoeba #8322865 by Luiaard, translation #4013693 by CK
- Tom hat einen Pool.Tom has a swimming pool.This sentence is useful for stating that someone possesses a Pool.Tatoeba #13850739 by Vortarulo, translation #2821552 by CK
- Ich habe einen Pool.I have a swimming pool.This sentence is useful for stating that you possess a Pool.Tatoeba #10084346 by wolfgangth, translation #6666675 by CK
- Entschuldigen Sie bitte, wo ist das nächste Schwimmbad?Excuse me, where is the nearest swimming pool?
- Haben Sie ein Hallenbad in Ihrer Einrichtung?Do you have an indoor swimming pool at your establishment?
- Hey, lass uns heute zum Pool gehen!Hey, let's go to the pool today!
- Weißt du, wo wir ein schönes Schwimmbecken finden können?Do you know where we can find a nice swimming pool?
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are visiting a modern hotel.
- LukasHat dieses Hotel ein Schwimmbecken?Does this hotel have a swimming pool?
- SarahJa, das Schwimmbecken ist im ersten Stock.Yes, the swimming pool is on the first floor.
- LukasIst das Schwimmbecken beheizt?Is the swimming pool heated?
- SarahJa, es ist immer warm dort.Yes, it is always warm there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “swimming pool” translations and entries Schwimmbecken, Pool, Freibad, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
