Tasse vs. Becher
The German words Becher and Tasse can both translate to cup or mug in English, but they refer to different types of drinking vessels based on their shape, material, and intended use.
Tasse
A Tasse is a traditional cup with a handle, typically made of ceramic or porcelain, and often intended to sit on a saucer. It is usually wider and shallower, designed specifically for hot beverages like coffee or tea in a standard or formal setting.
Ich trinke jeden Morgen eine Tasse Kaffee.
(I drink a cup of coffee every morning.)
Stell die Tasse bitte vorsichtig auf die Untertasse.
(Please place the cup carefully on the saucer.)
Sie kaufte ein teures Set aus Teekannen und Tassen.
(She bought an expensive set of teapots and cups.)
Die weiße Tasse ist leider auf den Boden gefallen und zerbrochen.
(Unfortunately, the white cup fell on the floor and broke.)
Möchtest du noch eine Tasse grünen Tee mit Honig?
(Would you like another cup of green tea with honey?)
Der Kellner brachte zwei heiße Tassen Espresso an den Tisch.
(The waiter brought two hot cups of espresso to the table.)
Becher
A Becher is a taller, more casual drinking vessel that is typically cylindrical and lacks a saucer. It describes a large, thick coffee mug (with or without a handle), a tumbler, a goblet, or disposable cups made of paper or plastic. It holds a larger volume than a typical Tasse.
Er hat seinen großen Becher mit heißer Schokolade gefüllt.
(He filled his large mug with hot chocolate.)
Wir brauchen noch Pappbecher für die morgige Geburtstagsparty.
(We still need paper cups for tomorrow's birthday party.)
Auf dem Schreibtisch steht ein Becher voller bunter Stifte.
(There is a mug full of colorful pens on the desk.)
Ich habe mir auf dem Weg zur Arbeit einen Becher Kaffee zum Mitnehmen gekauft.
(I bought a to-go cup of coffee on my way to work.)
Der fruchtige Joghurt wird in einem kleinen Becher aus Plastik verkauft.
(The fruity yogurt is sold in a small plastic cup.)
Der Sieger des Turniers trank stolz aus dem goldenen Becher.
(The winner of the tournament proudly drank from the golden goblet.)
Summary
In short, use Tasse when referring to a classic, handled cup for hot drinks that might come with a saucer. Use Becher when referring to a tall, thick, casual coffee mug, a tumbler, a goblet, or a disposable paper or plastic cup.