German Phrase
Wasser tropft von der Decke.
Meaning
Water is dripping from the ceiling, indicating a leak or a pipe problem. The sentence is a straightforward observation and can also be used to alert others to a potential damage situation.
When to use
Use this phrase when you notice a leak in a room, when you want to inform a roommate, a landlord, or a friend about a water problem, or when you describe a scene in a story or news report.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WassertropftvonderDecke
Wasser (noun)
Neuter noun, nominative singular; no article needed when it is the subject.
tropft (verb)
Present‑tense 3rd‑person singular of *tropfen* (to drip). No auxiliary verb is used.
von (preposition)
A two‑way preposition that always governs the dative case.
der (definite article)
Dative feminine singular form of *die*; used because *Decke* is feminine.
Decke (noun)
Feminine noun, dative singular after the preposition *von*.
🗨In Conversation
Wasser tropft von der Decke.
Water is dripping from the ceiling.
Oh nein, wir sollten sofort den Vermieter anrufen!
Oh no, we should call the landlord right away!
✕Common Mistakes
Wasser tropft vom Decke.
The preposition *von* + dative article *der* (feminine) cannot be contracted to *vom*; *vom* is only *von dem* (masculine/neuter).
Wasser ist tropft von der Decke.
Do not combine *ist* with *tropft*; the verb already expresses the action.
↔Alternatives
Es tropft Wasser von der Decke.
Water is dripping from the ceiling.
Von der Decke tropft Wasser.
Water is dripping from the ceiling.
Wasser läuft von der Decke.
Water is running down from the ceiling.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries it is customary to report any water leak to the *Vermieter* (landlord) or building manager immediately, as the tenant is usually responsible for notifying them. The phrase can also be used figuratively, e.g., in a newsroom to describe a “leak” of information.