Erdöl
/ˈeːrtˌøːl/
Petroleum in German is Erdöl.
The term refers to the liquid oil found underground that is used to produce fuel and various other products.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of Erde (earth) and Öl (oil), literally meaning "earth oil".
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is neuter, meaning the definite article is das Erdöl. In the genitive singular case, meaning "of petroleum", the form is Erdöls.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈeːrtˌøːl/
Did you know?
- While Erdöl refers to the raw substance, the word Petroleum also exists in German but refers specifically to kerosene or lamp oil.
- The word Öl comes from the Greek elaion, which originally referred specifically to olive oil long before it described Erdöl.
- In older German texts, you may encounter the term Erdpech, which literally translates to 'earth pitch' or 'earth tar', used before 'Erdöl' became the standard.
Examples in context
- Das Ende des Erdölzeitalters ist in Sicht.The end of the era of petroleum is in sight.This sentence is useful for discussing the end of the era of Erdöl.Tatoeba #1733351 by Esperantostern, translation #4128279 by AlanF_US
- In der Bucht explodierte eine Erdölplattform.A petroleum platform exploded in the bay.This sentence is useful for mentioning an Erdöl platform that exploded.Tatoeba #1088883 by Esperantostern, translation #6026254 by tinowls
- Die heutige Welt verdankt ihr bequemes Leben dem Erdöl.The present world owes its convenient life to petroleum.This sentence is useful for explaining how the modern world owes its convenience to Erdöl.Tatoeba #450036 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #242604 by secokit
- Die Erdölindustrie ist ein wichtiger Bestandteil der deutschen Wirtschaft.The petroleum industry is an important part of the German economy.
- Die Raffinerie produziert jährlich Millionen Tonnen Mineralöl.The refinery produces millions of tons of petroleum annually.
- Ich habe das Öl in meinem Auto gewechselt.I changed the oil in my car.
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are discussing energy sources in a cafe.
- JulianGlaubst du, wir können nur noch Erdöl nutzen?Do you think we can only use petroleum anymore?
- HannahNein, Julian, wir müssen auf Sonne setzen.No, Julian, we must rely on solar power.
- JulianAber Erdöl ist momentan noch sehr billig.But petroleum is still very cheap at the moment.
- HannahDas stimmt, aber es schadet der Umwelt.That's true, but it harms the environment.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Erdöl, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
