Eiswürfel
/ˈaɪ̯svʏʁfl̩/
The English phrase "ice cube" is translated into German as Eiswürfel.
An Eiswürfel refers to a small piece of frozen water used to cool drinks.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound noun consisting of Eis, meaning "ice" and Würfel, meaning "cube".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Swiss German, the term Eiswürfeli is used instead of the standard German Eiswürfel.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Eiswürfel uses the same form for both the singular and the plural. When using the masculine singular in the accusative case, such as when saying "I want an ice cube", the form changes to einen Eiswürfel.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaɪ̯svʏʁfl̩/
Did you know?
- In German, the word Eis can also refer to 'ice cream' in many contexts, which can lead to humorous confusion in a restaurant setting if the sentence is too short.
- The word Würfel is also the standard German term for a die used in board games. This means a German speaker literally describes an ice cube as an 'ice die'.
- If you are in a Swiss cafe and ask for an Eiswürfel, the waiter might find your speech strangely formal or even slightly stiff compared to the diminutive Eiswürfeli.
Examples in context
- Das ist ein Eiswürfel.This is an ice cube.This sentence is useful for identifying a single Eiswürfel.Tatoeba #3669510 by Esperantostern, translation #681181 by Source_VOA
- Entschuldigung, könnten Sie mir bitte einige Eiswürfel bringen?Excuse me, could you please bring me some ice cubes?
- Ich brauche einen Eiswürfel für meinen Saft.I need an ice cube for my juice.
- Der Eiswürfel ist in der Tasse geschmolzen.The ice cube melted in the cup.
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are preparing drinks in the kitchen.
- HannahJulian, wo sind die Eiswürfel?Julian, where are the ice cubes?
- JulianSie sind im Gefrierfach.They are in the freezer.
- HannahDanke, ich nehme mir einen Eiswürfel.Thanks, I'll take an ice cube.
- JulianGerne, Hannah.You're welcome, Hannah.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Eiswürfel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
