German Phrase
Das verschwendet Wasser.
Meaning
This phrase is used to point out that a specific action or behavior is resulting in the unnecessary use of water. It combines the demonstrative pronoun 'das' with the verb 'verschwenden' and the noun 'Wasser'.
When to use
Use this phrase in everyday situations when you see someone leaving a tap running or using water inefficiently. It is common in environmental discussions or household settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DasverschwendetWasser
Verschwenden
This is a regular verb. The third person singular ends in '-et' instead of just '-t' because the verb stem ends in 'd'.
Das as Pronoun
'Das' acts as a demonstrative pronoun here, representing the entire action previously mentioned.
🗨In Conversation
Ich lasse den Wasserhahn beim Zähneputzen offen.
I leave the tap open while brushing my teeth.
Das solltest du nicht tun. Das verschwendet Wasser.
You shouldn't do that. That wastes water.
✕Common Mistakes
Das verschwendet das Wasser.
In German, when referring to substances in a general sense, the definite article is typically omitted.
Das verschwendest Wasser.
The verb must be conjugated in the third person singular 'verschwendet' to agree with the subject 'Das'.
↔Alternatives
Du verschwendest Wasser.
You are wasting water.
Das ist Wasserverschwendung.
That is a waste of water.
Cultural Tip
Germany has a very strong culture of environmental awareness known as 'Umweltbewusstsein'. It is quite normal and socially acceptable to remind others to conserve resources like water and energy.