Apotheke
/apoˈteːkə/feminine
The German word for pharmacy is Apotheke. Wiktionary also lists Drogerie.
Meaning: a place where prescription drugs are dispensed (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Apotheke | /apoˈteːkə/ | feminine |
| Drogerie | /dʁoɡəˈʁiː/ | feminine |
Apotheke refers to a place where prescription drugs are dispensed.
Which one should you use?
While both involve retail, a Drogerie is a drugstore that sells cosmetics and household goods but does not dispense prescription medication, whereas an Apotheke is a pharmacy that dispenses medication.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Apotheke is Apotheken. Because it is a feminine noun, it changes to der Apotheke in the dative and genitive cases (for example, in der Apotheke).
How do you pronounce it?
/apoˈteːkə/
When do people say it?
In Germany, pharmacies operate an Apotheken-Notdienst (emergency service) system where one pharmacy in a district stays open late or on weekends to handle urgent needs.
Did you know?
- The German word Apotheke shares the same Ancient Greek root as the English word 'boutique' and the Spanish word 'bodega'.
- To find the emergency pharmacy Apotheken-Notdienst, residents usually check a physical list posted in the window of any closed Apotheke.
- In Germany, the red 'A' symbol used to identify an Apotheke is a strictly regulated professional mark that distinguishes them from other types of retail stores.
Examples in context
- Wo ist die Apotheke?Where's the pharmacy?This sentence is useful for asking for the location of the pharmacy.Tatoeba #4109096 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4099322 by CK
- Ich gehe zur Apotheke.I'm going to the pharmacy.This sentence is useful for stating that you are going to the pharmacy.Tatoeba #8320705 by MisterTrouser, translation #10962695 by Sprakify
- Sie gehen zur Apotheke.They're going to the pharmacy.This sentence is useful for stating that they are going to the pharmacy.Tatoeba #8320706 by MisterTrouser, translation #12785401 by rul
- Haben Sie dieses Medikament vorrätig?Do you have this medication in stock?
- Ja, die nächste Apotheke ist zwei Straßen weiter auf der linken Seite.Yes, the nearest pharmacy is two streets ahead on the left side.
- 37 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are walking through the city center.
- JulianSarah, suchst du eine Apotheke?Sarah, are you looking for a pharmacy?
- SarahJa, ich brauche dieses Medikament.Yes, I need this medication.
- JulianDie Apotheke dort vorne ist gut.The pharmacy over there is good.
- SarahDanke, Julian, gehen wir schnell hin.Thanks, Julian, let's go there quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pharmacy” translations and entries Apotheke, Drogerie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Apotheke, Drogerie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
