Ich brauche Wasser
The English phrase "I need water" is translated into German as Ich brauche Wasser.
Ich brauche Wasser is a statement used to express that the speaker requires water. It relies on the verb brauchen, which means "to need" in German.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Ich (I), brauche (need) and Wasser (water).
Which one should you use?
Ich brauche Wasser expresses a necessity. In contrast, Ich möchte Wasser translates to "I would like water" and is a more polite way to request a drink in social settings such as a restaurant.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the sentence Ich brauche Wasser, Wasser is in the accusative case because it serves as the direct object of the verb brauchen.
Did you know?
- In many parts of Germany, if you ask for Wasser without qualification, a waiter might serve you 'Sprudel', which is highly carbonated sparkling water.
- If you are thirsty and want to sound more natural, you might say Ich habe Durst (I have thirst) instead of using the verb 'to need'.
- The German word Wasser descends from the Proto-Indo-European root *wed-, which is also the ancestor of the English word 'wet'.
Examples in context
- Ich brauche Wasser.I need water.Tatoeba #3035452 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2246022 by CK
- Ich brauche Wasser, denn ich habe Durst.I need water because I am thirsty.Tatoeba #13554822 by Ioan_Cristian, translation #13554824 by Ioan_Cristian
- Entschuldigen Sie, aber ich brauche Wasser.Excuse me, but I need water.
- Entschuldigen Sie die Störung, könnten Sie mir Wasser bringen, bitte?Excuse the disturbance, could you bring me some water, please?
- Hey, ich brauche Wasser.Hey, I need water.
- Hey, kannst du mir bitte Wasser bringen?Hey, can you bring me some water, please?
- Ich brauche Wasser für meine Pflanze.I need water for my plant.
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are hiking in the mountains.
- LauraFelix, ich bin sehr durstig.Felix, I am very thirsty.
- FelixHast du keine Flasche dabei?Don't you have a bottle with you?
- LauraIch brauche Wasser, die Flasche ist leer.I need water, the bottle is empty.
- FelixWarte, ich habe noch etwas dabei.Wait, I have some with me.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ich, Wasser, ich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
