Lesson 116 · German A1-2

At the Swimming Pool

Im Schwimmbad

Public pools (Schwimmbäder) are a genuine German pastime, especially in summer - Freibäder (outdoor pools) fill up fast on hot days. A light, practical vocabulary lesson with some real cultural rules worth knowing.

Today's win: buy pool entry and understand the basic rules posted at most German pools.

Core vocabulary

das Schwimmbadswimming pooldas Freibadoutdoor pool
die Badehose / der Badeanzugswim trunks / swimsuitdie Eintrittskarteentry ticket

Quick check: what's the German word for "outdoor pool"?

Show answer
Freibad

Buying entry

Eine Eintrittskarte für Erwachsene, bitte. (One adult entry ticket, please.)
Gibt es eine Familienkarte? (Is there a family ticket? - es gibt, Lesson 58)

Quick check: "Is there a family ticket?" - ______ es eine Familienkarte?

Show answer
Gibt

A cultural note: pool rules

German pools genuinely enforce a shower-before-swimming rule, and many require a Badekappe (swim cap) in the lane pool - worth knowing before you're turned away at the entrance:

Bitte vor dem Schwimmen duschen. (Please shower before swimming. - imperative style, Lesson 25/62)
Ist eine Badekappe Pflicht? (Is a swim cap mandatory?)

Quick check: what does "Pflicht" mean on a sign like "Badekappe Pflicht"?

Show answer
mandatory
Try it out loud: ask for pool entry and ask one question about the rules (shower, swim cap, or family tickets).

Recap

1. What's the German word for "swimsuit" (feminine form)?

Show answer
Badeanzug

2. What does German pool etiquette require before entering the water?

Show answer
showering

3. What's the article for "Eintrittskarte"?

Show answer
die

Primary source

Vocabulary cross-checked against the official Goethe-Zertifikat A1 Wortliste; specific pool rules vary by facility.

Planning a trip to a specific pool and want the exact phrases? Ask your teaching agent.