Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Champagner | /ʃamˈpanjər/ | masculine |
| Champagnerwein | masculine | |
| Sekt | /zɛkt/ | masculine |
In German, you can use different words depending on whether you are referring to the specific sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France or any sparkling wine in general. Champagner and Champagnerwein refer specifically to the prestigious sparkling wine from the Champagne region, while Sekt is the common term for any sparkling wine.
Which one should you use?
Champagner is used only when referring to the specific sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of France. Using it for other sparkling wines is technically incorrect. In contrast, Sekt is a generic term for any sparkling wine. In everyday German conversation, people often use Sekt even when they are actually drinking true Champagne, unless they want to specifically emphasize the prestige of the brand.
How does it change in a sentence?
All three forms, Champagner, Champagnerwein and Sekt, are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃamˈpanjər/
Did you know?
- The term Sekt became synonymous with sparkling wine largely due to a 19th-century theatrical anecdote involving a Shakespearean line.
Examples in context
- Ich will Sekt trinken.I want to drink champagne.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to drink Sekt.Tatoeba #8261397 by Luiaard, translation #6267755 by CK
- Champagner mag ich nicht.I don't like champagne.This sentence is useful for expressing a dislike for Champagner.Tatoeba #3321511 by al_ex_an_der, translation #7794479 by shekitten
- Die Gäste trinken Champagner.The guests are drinking Champagne.This sentence is useful for describing guests drinking Champagner.Tatoeba #3320632 by al_ex_an_der, translation #3320674 by Hybrid
- Lass uns eine Flasche Schampus öffnen!Let's open a bottle of champagne!
- 41 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is celebrating an anniversary at a restaurant.
- JulianSollen wir einen Champagner bestellen?Should we order a champagne?
- LauraJa, das ist eine tolle Idee, Julian.Yes, that is a great idea, Julian.
- JulianIch freue mich auf den Champagner.I am looking forward to the champagne.
- LauraIch auch, es ist ein besonderer Abend.Me too, it is a special evening.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “champagne” translations and entries Champagner, Sekt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Champagner, Sekt, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
