Tropfen
/ˈtʁɔpfən/
The English word 'drop' is translated into German as Tropfen.
If you are talking about the action of dropping off a person or an object, use the verb absetzen. In contexts involving a decline or a decrease, you can use the verbs abfallen or sinken. For the specific concept of a sports relegation from one division to a lower one, the word Abstieg is used. If you are referring to the act of moving downwards under the force of gravity, you may use Fall or Sturz.
Meaning: to let (something) fall, to allow (something) to fall (either by releasing hold of, or losing one's grip on) (verb)
Which one should you use?
In informal settings you might use Schuss to describe a shot or a small amount of liquid added to a drink or Klecks to refer to a small drop or blob of a substance, such as paint or food.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austria, the word Tröpferl may be used instead of Tropfen to refer to a drop.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʁɔpfən/
Did you know?
- When talking about a decline in numbers or prices, German uses sinken, which is the same word used for a ship sinking in water.
- In a very informal setting, adding a small 'drop' or amount of liquid to a drink might be referred to as a Schuss.
- The German word Tropfen is a linguistic 'cousin' to the English word 'drop', as both share the same Proto-Germanic ancestor *drupô.
Examples in context
- Jeder Tropfen ist wichtig.Every drop is important.This sentence demonstrates the use of Tropfen to express that every single unit is important.Tatoeba #2154955 by Esperantostern, translation #2123484 by etala
- Ein Tropfen Öl wirkt oft Wunder.A drop of oil often works wonders.This sentence shows how Tropfen is used when describing a small amount of liquid like oil.Tatoeba #8686374 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9464574 by sundown
- Es ist kein Tropfen Wasser übrig.There is not a drop of water left.This sentence illustrates how Tropfen can be used to indicate that no liquid remains.Tatoeba #8572826 by Yorwba, translation #270783 by CC
- Ein Tropfen Wasser fiel auf den BodenA drop of water fell on the floor
- Er gab ein paar Tröpfchen Zitronensaft in den TeeHe added a few drops of lemon juice to the tea
- Sie legte einen Klecks Sauce auf den TellerShe put a drop of sauce on the plate
- Ich werde dich am Bahnhof absetzenI will drop you off at the train station
- Die Temperaturen werden morgen auf null Grad abfallenThe temperatures will drop to zero degrees tomorrow
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are painting a wall together.
- LauraPass auf, lass nicht Tropfen Farbe auf den Boden!Be careful, don't let drops of paint fall on the floor!
- LukasIch gebe mir Mühe, Laura.I am trying, Laura.
- LauraOh nein, jetzt sind doch Tropfen auf den Teppich gefallen.Oh no, now drops have fallen on the carpet.
- LukasIch putze es sofort weg, Lukas verspricht es.I will clean it up immediately, Lukas promises.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Tropfen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Tropfen, tropfen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
