noun
construction, building
B1
Bau (der) refers to construction (the activity or process) and a building or structure. Gender: masculine (der); plural Bauten. Genitive: des Baus; dative dem Bau. Used in compounds (Bauwesen, Bauvorhaben). No reflexive or special preposition; can mean the act of building or the completed structure depending on context.
Examples
Der Bau wurde gestoppt, weil neue Bestimmungen bekannt wurden.
The construction was stopped because new regulations were announced.
Der Bau des Hauses dauert zwei Jahre.
The construction of the house will take two years.
Der Bau des neuen Hauses dauert länger als geplant.
The construction of the new house is taking longer than planned.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture scaffolding and a crane forming the outline of a building — the word 'Bau' stamped on a hard hat
Sounds like 'bow' — imagine a construction bowing up a building
der — imagine a male construction foreman (der Chef) pointing at the site
Notes
Bau often refers to a construction project or the act/result of building. Plural commonly 'Bauten' (works/buildings). Do not confuse with 'bauen' (the verb).