German Conversation · Level 95
59 words
German word
Zeche
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈtsɛçə/
Meaning
- feminine nouncoal mine
Example
Die Zeche wurde 1975 geschlossen.
The coal mine was closed in 1975.
More examples
Die Maschinen der Zeche rosten seit der Schließung.
The machinery at the coal mine has been rusting since it closed.
Core concept
A whole coal-mining enterprise, with underground work, surface machinery, and its final costs belonging together.
Common phrases
auf der Zeche arbeiten
work in the coal mine
die Zeche schließen
close down the coal mine
Similar words
Bergwerk: A facility containing tunnels and equipment for extracting coal or other minerals.
Tagebau: A surface mine that extracts minerals from a large open excavation.
Grube: An underground pit or mining area where minerals are extracted.
Schacht: A vertical opening providing underground access, transport, and ventilation.
Definition in German
Anlage und Betrieb eines Kohlebergwerks; die Gruben, Förderanlagen und dazugehörigen Gebäude.
Word origin
Zeche comes from Middle High German zeche, meaning a shared contribution or communal expense, and later developed mining and payment senses.
Usage tips
- The fixed expression die Zeche zahlen means 'pay the bill', not 'pay for a coal mine'.
Other meanings
- billnoun
Related words
- Kohlenzechecollierynoun
- Zechenbetriebcolliery operationnoun
- zechendrink and carouseverb