Kölnisch Wasser
neuter
In German, 'cologne' is translated as Kölnisch Wasser. If unsure, use Kölnisch Wasser. Wiktionary also lists Kölnischwasser and Eau de Cologne.
Meaning: eau de Cologne (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kölnisch Wasser | neuter | |
| Kölnischwasser | /ˈkœlnɪʃˌvasɐ/ /ˌkœlnɪʃˈvasɐ/ |
neuter |
| Eau de Cologne | neuter |
The term refers to eau de cologne. In formal contexts, one might use the gender-specific term Herrenduft to refer specifically to a man's fragrance or cologne.
Which one should you use?
Kölnischwasser is written as a single compound noun, whereas Kölnisch Wasser is written as two separate words. Additionally, Eau de Cologne is a French term borrowed into German, used specifically in high-end retail or formal settings.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The term is most commonly written as the single compound noun Kölnischwasser.
Did you know?
- Despite being a German product, the global term 'eau de cologne' became the standard because the fragrance was marketed using French, the prestige language of the 18th century.
- In Germany, Kölnisch Wasser was originally a specific medicinal product created by Giovanni Maria Farina, rather than a general category of scent.
- The city of Köln produces a famous style of light-colored beer called Kölsch, which shares the same adjective root as kölnisch.
Examples in context
- Sie konnte sein Kölnischwasser riechen.She could smell his cologne.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use Kölnischwasser in a sentence.Tatoeba #4765888 by Manfredo, translation #3163285 by Hybrid
- Könntest du mir bitte das Parfüm geben?Could you please give me the cologne?
- Ich interessiere mich für ein hochwertiges Eau de Cologne.I am interested in a high-quality cologne.
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are getting ready for a party.
- JuliaHast du ein Kölnisch Wasser für mich?Do you have a cologne for me?
- MaximilianJa, es steht im Badezimmer.Yes, it is in the bathroom.
- JuliaVielen Dank, Maximilian!Thank you very much, Maximilian!
- MaximilianGerne, Julia.You're welcome, Julia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cologne” translations and entries Kölnischwasser, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
