Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sole | /ˈzoːlə/ /ˈsoːlɛ/ (Austria) |
feminine |
| Salzbrühe | feminine | |
| Lake | /ˈlaːkə/ | feminine |
In German, several words describe a salt water solution depending on the context. You may use Sole when referring to the substance used in culinary or industrial processes, such as cheese making. Use Salzbrühe as a literal, descriptive term for the liquid itself. To express the action of preserving food in a brine solution, the phrase in Sole einlegen is commonly used. The related verb pökeln refers specifically to the process of preserving food in a salt solution.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on your setting: Sole is the standard term for culinary and industrial contexts like pickling. Salzbrühe is a more descriptive and literal term used when you are simply describing the nature of the salt-water solution. While not explicitly listed as a primary form, Salzlake is the formal term for brine.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All the primary forms for brine, Sole, Salzbrühe and Lake, are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈzoːlə/
Did you know?
- In Germany, you can find Sole-Bäder or brine baths, which are therapeutic salt water treatments used in many traditional spas and wellness centers.
- The word Lake for brine is an ancient relative of the English word 'lake', as both originally referred to any still pool of water.
- While Sole is common in the kitchen, using Salzbrühe might confuse a chef because Brühe typically refers to a savory meat or vegetable broth.
Examples in context
- Die Gurken werden in Salzlake eingelegt.The cucumbers are soaked in brine.
- Wir können die Oliven in Sole einlegen.We can marinate the olives in brine.
- Der Pökelsud macht das Fleisch besonders zart.The brine makes the meat extra tender.
- Die Sole ist sehr salzig.The brine is very salty.
- Er badet in der Sole.He is bathing in the brine.
- Die Wärme der Sole entspannt mich.The warmth of the brine relaxes me.
Example conversation
Two people are at a thermal spa.
- HannahWie findest du die Sole hier?How do you like the brine here?
- JulianDie Sole fühlt sich toll an.The brine feels great.
- HannahMöchtest du noch ein bisschen schwimmen?Do you want to swim a bit more?
- JulianJa, das Wasser ist sehr angenehm.Yes, the water is very pleasant.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brine” translations and entries Sole, Lake, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Lake, Sole, CC BY-SA 4.0.
