Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kneipe | /ˈknaɪ̯pə/ | feminine |
| Bar | [baːɐ] (narrow) | feminine |
| Lokal | /loˈkaːl/ | neuter |
| Pub | /pap/ /pʌb/ |
masculine, neuter |
| Schankwirtschaft | feminine | |
| Wirtschaft | /ˈvɪʁtʃaft/ | feminine |
| Pinte | /ˈpɪntə/ | feminine |
German has many words for a public house, ranging from everyday informal terms to technical or traditional ones. Use these words to specify whether you are talking about a modern bar, a traditional German tavern or a British-style establishment.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the specific type of establishment: Kneipe is the most common, everyday word for a local pub or small bar. Bar refers to a more modern, often more upscale or trendy establishment. Pub is a loanword used specifically to refer to British-style pubs or establishments with an English theme. Lokal is a more generic, slightly more formal term for any eating or drinking establishment. Wirtschaft is used for traditional, rustic German-style taverns that serve food alongside drinks.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For everyday conversation, Kneipe is an informal way to talk about a pub. In more formal or neutral settings, you might use Lokal for an establishment or Gaststätte for a restaurant or tavern. For highly formal, administrative or technical contexts, the term Schankwirtschaft describes a drinking establishment.
How does it change in a sentence?
The different forms have different genders: Kneipe, Bar, Schankwirtschaft, Wirtschaft and Pinte are feminine nouns. Lokal is a neuter noun. Pub can be either masculine or neuter.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈknaɪ̯pə/
When do people say it?
When raising a glass in a German pub, it is customary to say Prost!, which means 'Cheers!' If you would like to order another drink, you can say Noch einen, bitte!, meaning 'Another one, please!'
Did you know?
- The word Kneipe did not start as a general term but emerged from 18th century student slang in Upper Saxony and possibly from thieves' cant.
- The word Pinte is used in German to describe a pub, but it is a feminine noun, unlike the English 'pint' which is usually a measure of volume.
Examples in context
- Wann schließt der Pub?When does the pub close?This sentence is useful for asking about the closing time of a Pub.Tatoeba #8322845 by Luiaard, translation #8307684 by CK
- Wann schließt die Kneipe?When does the pub shut?This sentence is useful for asking about the closing time of a Kneipe.Tatoeba #8322844 by Luiaard, translation #10652768 by sundown
- Tom torkelte aus dem Pub.Tom staggered out of the pub.This sentence is useful for describing someone leaving a Pub.Tatoeba #11542005 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10760171 by sundown
- Können Sie eine gute Kneipe in der Nähe empfehlen?Can you recommend a good pub nearby?
- Ja, die Gaststätte am Marktplatz ist sehr beliebt.Yes, the pub at the marketplace is very popular.
- Lass uns heute Abend in die Kneipe gehen.Let's go to the pub tonight.
- 110 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are planning their evening in the city.
- FelixGehen wir heute Abend in eine Kneipe?Are we going to a pub tonight?
- HannahJa, ich kenne eine sehr nette Kneipe.Yes, I know a very nice pub.
- FelixIst die Kneipe in der Nähe?Is the pub nearby?
- HannahJa, sie ist ganz um die Ecke.Yes, it is just around the corner.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pub” translations and entries Kneipe, Bar, Lokal, Pub, Wirtschaft, Pinte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bar, Kneipe, Lokal, Pub, bar, lokal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
