German word

Bau

Pronunciation

IPA/baʊ̯/

Meaning

  • masculine nounconstruction

Example

Der Bau des neuen Hauses dauert zwei Jahre.

The construction of the new house takes two years.

Illustration for Bau (construction)

More examples

Viele Arbeiter sind auf dem Bau beschäftigt.

Many workers are working on the construction site.

Core concept

A structure taking shape as materials are assembled, from a house to an animal's underground shelter.

Common phrases

  • auf dem Bau

    on the construction site

  • der Bau von

    construction of ___

Similar words

Baustelle: A site where construction work takes place and materials are kept.
Gebäude: A building made for people to live or work in.
Bauarbeiter: A worker who carries out construction work on a building site.

Definition in German

Bezeichnet den Vorgang des Errichtens von Konstruktionen sowie das Ergebnis dieses Vorgangs (Gebäude, Anlage) und kann auch ein tierisches Bauwerk wie eine Höhle bezeichnen.

Word origin

Bau is an inherited Germanic noun related to bauen and to an old root associated with dwelling and building.

Usage tips

  • Bau is masculine, and its plural is Bauten, so the article and plural differ from the stem shape.

Other meanings

  • buildingnoun
  • burrownoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word