A2 noun Neutral 2 Min. Lesezeit

brunn

/brɵnː/

Overview

The Swedish word 'brunn' refers to a well, a deep hole or shaft dug or drilled to obtain water, oil, gas, or other fluid. It can also refer to a spring, a natural outflow of groundwater at the surface of the earth. The word 'brunn' is a common noun and is used in various contexts. In a literal sense, it denotes a physical well, often found in rural areas or historical settings, used for drawing water. For example, 'Vattnet i brunnen är kallt och klart' translates to 'The water in the well is cold and clear.'

Figuratively, 'brunn' can be used to describe a source or origin of something, especially something positive or valuable. For instance, 'en brunn av kunskap' means 'a well of knowledge,' implying a rich and abundant source of information. Similarly, 'en brunn av inspiration' refers to 'a wellspring of inspiration.' This metaphorical usage highlights the idea of something from which one can draw sustenance, ideas, or resources.

Grammatically, 'brunn' is a common noun in Swedish. Its gender is common (utrum), and it belongs to the second declension. Here's its declension:

* **Plural definite:** brunnarna (the wells)

The word can also appear in compound words, further expanding its meaning. For example, 'vattenbrunn' specifically means 'water well,' emphasizing the type of fluid drawn. 'Oljebrunn' means 'oil well,' and 'gasbrunn' means 'gas well.' These compounds are straightforward and combine 'brunn' with the specific resource being extracted.

In some historical or regional contexts, 'brunn' might also refer to a spa or a medicinal spring, especially if the water is believed to have therapeutic properties. This usage is less common in modern everyday language but can be found in older texts or place names, such as 'Medevi Brunn,' a famous Swedish spa resort.

Overall, 'brunn' is a versatile word in Swedish, encompassing both its literal meaning as a physical structure for extracting fluids and its metaphorical sense as a source or origin. Its grammatical structure is regular, and its usage in compounds further specifies its meaning, making it a fundamental part of the Swedish vocabulary.

Beispiele

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dricka ur brunnen
gräva en brunn
fylla brunnen
brunnsvatten

Wird oft verwechselt mit

brunn vs. w
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Nutzungshinweise

'Brunn' is a common Swedish noun (en brunn, brunnen, brunnar, brunnarna) meaning 'well' (as in a water well). It is often used in literal contexts when discussing water sources, especially in rural settings or historical contexts. For example, 'De grävde en ny brunn' (They dug a new well) or 'Vattnet från brunnen är kallt och klart' (The water from the well is cold and clear). Beyond its literal meaning, 'brunn' can also be part of compound words, such as 'energibrunn' (geothermal well) or 'hälsobrunn' (health spa/well, historically referring to a natural spring with supposed health benefits). It can also appear metaphorically, though less commonly than its literal usage, to denote a source of something, e.g., 'en brunn av kunskap' (a well of knowledge), though 'källa' (source/spring) is more common in such abstract uses. The word is straightforward and generally carries no strong colloquial or idiomatic connotations beyond its direct meaning related to water sources.


Häufige Fehler

Mispronouncing the 'u' sound, which is like the 'oo' in 'moon' but shorter and more forward in the mouth. Also, confusing it with 'bränna' (to burn) due to similar letters.

Tipps

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Pronunciation tip

The 'u' in 'brunn' is pronounced like the 'oo' in 'moon'.
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False friend alert

Do not confuse 'brunn' with the English word 'brown', as they have different meanings and pronunciations.
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Usage tip

While 'brunn' specifically refers to a well for water, it can sometimes be used metaphorically for a source of something, e.g., 'en brunn av kunskap' (a well of knowledge).

Wortherkunft

From Old Norse 'brunnr', from Proto-Germanic '*brunnan-'.

Kultureller Kontext

In Sweden, the word 'brunn' primarily refers to a well, a source of water, often associated with rural life, self-sufficiency, and historical living. Wells have been crucial for settlements throughout history, providing essential water for drinking, cooking, and agriculture. They often evoke images of traditional Swedish landscapes, old farmhouses, and a more rustic way of life. The concept of a 'brunn' can also appear in folklore and children's stories, sometimes as a place of wishes or mystery. While modern plumbing has made private wells less common in urban areas, they remain important in many rural and summer cottage regions. The idea of drawing water from a 'brunn' can symbolize connection to nature and a simpler existence, and it's a familiar concept in Swedish cultural memory and language.

Merkhilfe

Visualize a 'brun' (brown) well. The word 'brunn' sounds similar to 'brun'.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

4 Fragen
The Swedish word 'brunn' originates from Old Norse 'brunnr', which itself stems from Proto-Germanic '*brunnan-'. This root is shared with other Germanic languages, like English 'bourne' (meaning a small stream or spring) and German 'Brunnen' (well, fountain). The ultimate Indo-European root is believed to be '*bhreu-', meaning 'to boil, to bubble, to gush', reflecting the natural movement of water from a spring. Over time, 'brunn' evolved to primarily refer to a dug or drilled shaft to access groundwater, though it can still retain connotations of a natural spring or source.
Yes, there are several types of 'brunnar' (plural of brunn) in Sweden, each with distinct characteristics and uses. Historically, there were 'dricksvattenbrunnar' (drinking water wells), often hand-dug and lined with stone or wood. 'Källbrunnar' referred to natural springs that were sometimes enclosed. Modern 'brunnar' often include 'borrbrunnar' (drilled wells) for domestic water supply, 'bergvärmebrunnar' (geothermal wells) used for heating systems, and 'regnvattenbrunnar' (rainwater wells) for collecting rainwater. The term can also be used more broadly in compounds like 'gatubrunn' (street drain) or 'avloppsbrunn' (sewage well), although these refer to drainage systems rather than water sources.
Historically, 'brunnar' and particularly 'källor' (springs) held significant cultural and even sacred importance in Sweden. Many 'offerbrunnar' (offering wells) or 'trefaldighetskällor' (Trinity wells) were believed to have healing powers, and people would often visit them, especially on Midsummer's Eve, to make offerings or seek cures for ailments. These wells were often associated with local saints or ancient deities. The act of drawing water from a well was a central part of daily life, and wells were often gathering places in communities. Even today, the image of a 'brunn' evokes a sense of tradition, connection to nature, and self-sufficiency.
The word 'brunn' appears in several Swedish expressions and idioms, often reflecting its historical significance as a source of something. For instance, 'gå till brunnen' literally means 'to go to the well,' implying seeking knowledge or resources from a primary source. 'En outsinlig brunn av kunskap' translates to 'an inexhaustible well of knowledge,' describing someone or something that provides an endless supply of information. Another common phrase is 'sätta sin brunn i jorden,' which means to 'put one's well in the earth,' metaphorically referring to establishing oneself or starting a new venture with the intention of settling down. These expressions highlight the enduring symbolic power of the well as a fundamental source.

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