German word

See

Pronunciation

IPA/zeː/

Meaning

  • masculine nounlake

Example

Im Sommer fahren wir an den See.

We go to the lake in summer.

Illustration for See (lake)

More examples

Am See machen wir oft ein Picknick.

We often have a picnic by the lake.

Core concept

A broad inland expanse of still water enclosed by land, with shores but normally no connection to the sea.

Common phrases

  • am See

    at the lake

  • zum See fahren

    travel to the lake

Similar words

Meer: A vast expanse of salt water.
Fluss: A long natural channel carrying fresh water in a steady direction.
Teich: A small enclosed body of fresh water.
Strand: A sandy or stony strip of land beside a sea or lake.

Definition in German

Ein größeres Binnengewässer mit stehendem Wasser, gewöhnlich ohne Meeresanschluss.

Word origin

German See comes from Old High German sê and shares the Germanic root of English sea, while German developed separate genders and meanings for der See and die See.

Usage tips

  • The noun is der See for lake but die See for sea, so the article distinguishes the two meanings.

Other meanings

  • seanoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Seebadlakeside resortnoun
  • Seenplattelake districtnoun

Word lists with this word