Limonade
/ˌlɪmoˈnaːdə/feminine
In German, the phrase for soda is Limonade. Wiktionary also lists Brause and süßer Sprudel.
Meaning: sweet, carbonated drink (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Limonade | /ˌlɪmoˈnaːdə/ | feminine |
| Brause | /ˈbraʊ̯zə/ /ˈbraʊ̯sɛ/ |
feminine |
| süßer Sprudel | masculine |
The terms used for a sweet, carbonated drink vary depending on the context.
Which one should you use?
The term Limonade refers specifically to a sweet soda, whereas Sprudel refers to plain carbonated water. The term Brause is an informal way to refer to fizzy drinks or the fizz itself.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal contexts, the standard term is Erfrischungsgetränk. In informal settings, you can use Limonade, the even more casual Limo or Brause to refer to fizzy drinks.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Limonade is Limonaden.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌlɪmoˈnaːdə/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the English word Soda to order a soft drink in German, as Soda typically refers to the chemical compound sodium carbonate.
Did you know?
- While Limonade means 'soda' in German, it does not always contain lemon. It is a generic term for any sweet carbonated drink, regardless of the fruit flavor.
- German pharmacies once sold Brausepulver, a fizzy powder that creates a soda-like drink when added to water. This historical use influenced the word Brause as a term for carbonated drinks.
- Ordering a Schorle is a common German custom where a fruit juice is mixed with Sprudel. This is one of the most popular ways to consume carbonated drinks in Germany.
Examples in context
- Ich hätte gern eine Limonade.I'd like a soda.This sentence shows how to order a Limonade.Tatoeba #1070858 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1070860 by CM
- Ich hätte gern ein Erfrischungsgetränk, bitteI would like a soda, please
- Kannst du mir bitte eine Limo geben?Can you please give me a soda?
- Hast du Brause?Do you have soda?
- Ich hätte gerne einen SprudelI would like a soda
- Diese Limonade schmeckt sehr erfrischend.This soda tastes very refreshing.
- Möchtest du eine kalte Limonade?Would you like a cold soda?
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are at a small cafe.
- LauraWas möchtest du bestellen, Maximilian?What would you like to order, Maximilian?
- MaximilianIch nehme eine eiskalte Limonade.I'll have an ice-cold soda.
- LauraGute Wahl, ich nehme auch eine.Good choice, I'll have one too.
- MaximilianPerfekt, dann bestellen wir jetzt.Perfect, let's order now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “soda” translations and entries Limonade, Brause, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
