Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bar | [baːɐ] (narrow) | feminine |
| Kneipe | /ˈknaɪ̯pə/ | feminine |
| Lokal | /loˈkaːl/ | neuter |
The terms used to describe a business licensed to sell intoxicating beverages vary depending on whether you are referring to a modern establishment, a traditional pub or a generic eatery.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the atmosphere and type of establishment. Bar often implies a more modern or upscale establishment. In contrast, Kneipe refers to a more traditional, casual and often neighborhood-oriented pub. Finally, Lokal is a broader, more generic term used for any establishment that serves food and drink, such as a restaurant or a tavern.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Rhineland region, speakers might use the specific term Kölschkneipe to describe a local bar that serves the famous Kölsch beer.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the feminine noun Bar, different prepositions change the meaning of your location. Use the preposition 'an' with the dative case an der Bar to describe being physically located at the counter of the establishment. Use the preposition 'in' with the dative case in der Bar to describe being inside the building of the establishment.
Did you know?
- The adjective bar is a 'false friend' that can mean 'bare' or 'naked' instead of referring to a drinking establishment.
Examples in context
- Wo ist die Bar?Where is the bar?This sentence is useful for asking for the location of a bar.Tatoeba #10072029 by wolfgangth, translation #3184122 by sabretou
- Ich bin in der Bar.I'm in the bar.This sentence is useful for stating that you are inside a bar.Tatoeba #10072106 by wolfgangth, translation #8665771 by Mediabat
- Tom ist an der Bar.Tom is at the bar.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is at the bar counter.Tatoeba #12610373 by mayabe, translation #1868225 by CK
- Das Lokal um die Ecke hat eine großartige Auswahl an Cocktails.The bar around the corner has a great selection of cocktails.
- In dieser Kneipe gibt es immer eine tolle Atmosphäre und gute Musik.This bar always has a great atmosphere and good music.
- Ich treffe meine Freunde oft in einer Kölschkneipe, um das lokale Kölsch-Bier zu probieren.I often meet my friends at a Kölsch bar to try the local Kölsch beer.
- 108 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are planning their evening in the city.
- FelixGehen wir heute Abend in eine Bar?Are we going to a bar tonight?
- SarahJa, ich kenne eine schöne Bar.Yes, I know a nice bar.
- FelixIst die Bar in der Nähe?Is the bar nearby?
- SarahJa, sie ist ganz nah.Yes, it is very close.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bar” translations and entries Bar, Kneipe, Lokal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bar, Kneipe, Lokal, bar, lokal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
