Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Alkohol | /ˈal.koˌhoːl/ /al.koˈhoːl/ |
masculine |
| Weingeist | /ˈvaɪ̯nˌɡaɪ̯st/ | |
| Branntwein (juristic) |
The most direct and commonly used term for alcohol in German is Alkohol. If you are specifically talking about spirits or hard liquor, you may use the term Spirituosen.
Which one should you use?
Branntwein is a juristic term used in legal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
Alkohol is a masculine noun. When it serves as the direct object of a sentence, it takes the masculine accusative article den (e.g., den Alkohol). To express the absence of alcohol, use the negative article kein instead of nicht. If you want to be explicit about intoxication, it is common to use the phrase Alkohol trinken (to drink alcohol) rather than just trinken.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈal.koˌhoːl/.
Did you know?
- The word Alkohol actually traces its roots back to the Arabic word for 'kohl', a black powder used for eyeliner. It was a linguistic journey from a cosmetic substance to a chemical one.
- German has a distinct word Promille to measure blood alcohol levels, which refers to 'parts per thousand' rather than the English 'percent'.
- While 'alcohol' is a general term, the German word Geist means 'ghost' or 'spirit'. This is why highly concentrated alcohol is often referred to as Weingeist, literally 'wine spirit'.
Examples in context
- Tom stank nach Alkohol.Tom reeked of alcohol.This sentence shows how to describe the smell of alcohol using Alkohol.Tatoeba #2803025 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2803037 by Hybrid
- Alkohol ist eine Droge.Alcohol is a drug.This sentence uses Alkohol to state a fact about the substance.Tatoeba #4732126 by bonny37, translation #3825050 by CK
- Du stinkst nach Alkohol!You reek of alcohol.This sentence demonstrates a direct way to tell someone they smell of alcohol using Alkohol.Tatoeba #2200696 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2199755 by Hybrid
- Ich trinke keinen AlkoholI don't drink alcohol
- Die Bar bietet eine große Auswahl an SpirituosenThe bar offers a wide selection of spirits.
- Er bevorzugt einen starken TrankHe prefers a strong drink.
- Lass uns eine Sauferei machen!Let's have a drinking spree!
- Entschuldigen Sie, haben Sie alkoholfreie Getränke?Excuse me, do you have non-alcoholic drinks?
- Ich brauche etwas Alkohol, um die Party in Schwung zu bringen!I need some alcohol to get the party started!
- Die Verwendung von Spirituosen in dieser Veranstaltung ist untersagt.The use of spirits is prohibited at this event.
- Lass uns saufen und Spaß haben!Let's drink and have fun!
- 153 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are deciding what to drink at a party.
- MaximilianMöchtest du etwas mit Alkohol trinken?Would you like to drink something with alcohol?
- SarahNein, ich trinke heute keinen Alkohol.No, I am not drinking any alcohol today.
- MaximilianSoll ich dir dann eine Limonade holen?Should I get you a lemonade then?
- SarahJa, das wäre sehr nett, Maximilian.Yes, that would be very nice, Maximilian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “alcohol” translations and entries Alkohol, Weingeist, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Alkohol, Branntwein, Weingeist, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
