Konterbier
/ˈkɔntɐˌbiːɐ̯/neuter
The English phrase "hair of the dog" can be translated into German using Konterbier. Wiktionary also lists Konterschnaps and Reparaturseidl.
Meaning: curing drink (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Konterbier | /ˈkɔntɐˌbiːɐ̯/ | neuter |
| Konterschnaps | masculine | |
| Reparaturseidl | /ʁepaʁaˈtuːɐ̯ˌsɑɛ̯dl̩/ (Austria) | neuter |
| Mageneinrenker | masculine |
What does it mean word for word?
The term Konterbier is a compound of Konter, meaning counter or counteracting and Bier, meaning beer.
Which one should you use?
While Konterbier refers specifically to a beer used for this purpose, Konterschnaps refers to a spirit or schnapps used as a hair of the dog.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term Mageneinrenker is a colloquial way to describe a drink intended to settle the stomach after a hangover.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austria or Bavaria, you may use the term Reparaturseidl, which combines Reparatur (repair) and Seidl (a specific unit of beer, usually 0.3L).
How does it change in a sentence?
Konterbier is a neuter noun, Konterschnaps is a masculine noun, Reparaturseidl is a neuter noun and Mageneinrenker is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkɔntɐˌbiːɐ̯/
Did you know?
- While Konterbier is common, some Germans use the phrase Katerfrühstück (cat's breakfast) to describe the meal or drink that cures a 'Kater' (hangover).
- The term Mageneinrenker comes from the verb einrenken, which means to reset a dislocated bone. It implies the drink is physically snapping the stomach back into its proper place.
- The word Konter in Konterbier shares the same root as the English word 'counter', but it is used here in the sense of a strategic counter-move in a game or fight.
Examples in context
- Ein Konterbier hilft gegen den Kater.A hair of the dog helps against the hangover.
- Ich brauche jetzt ein Konterbier.I need a hair of the dog right now.
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are at a brunch table the morning after a party.
- LauraMein Kopf tut so sehr weh.My head hurts so much.
- LukasSoll ich dir ein Konterbier bestellen?Should I order a hair of the dog for you?
- LauraJa, Lukas, das wäre super.Yes, Lukas, that would be great.
- LukasIch bringe es dir sofort.I will bring it to you immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hair of the dog” translations and entries Konterbier, Reparaturseidl, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Konterbier, Reparaturseidl, CC BY-SA 4.0.
