Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Erfrischungsgetränk | [ɛɐ̯ˈfʁɪʃʊŋsɡəˌtʁɛŋk] (narrow) | neuter |
| Limonade | /ˌlɪmoˈnaːdə/ | feminine |
| Sprudel | [ˈʃpruːdəl] (narrow) [ˈʃpruːdl̩] (narrow) |
masculine |
| Sprudelsaft | masculine |
A soft drink is a sweet, non-alcoholic carbonated beverage. While Erfrischungsgetränk is a general term, you may also encounter Softgetränk or the word Saft when referring to non-carbonated options like juice.
What does it mean word for word?
Erfrischungsgetränk is a compound noun made of Erfrischung (refreshment) and Getränk (drink).
Which one should you use?
Erfrischungsgetränk refers to any sweet soft drink, whereas Sprudel specifically refers to carbonated water or sparkling water without added sugar or fruit juice.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Limonade is an informal way to refer to various sweet, carbonated soft drinks, even if they do not actually contain lemon. A colloquial way to ask for a soft drink is to say Gib mir mal 'ne Limo.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austria and Southern Germany, the word Kracherl is used to refer to a soft drink.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Erfrischungsgetränk is Erfrischungsgetränke. The plural of Limonade is Limonaden.
Did you know?
- Germany has a unique culture of Spezi, a popular soft drink that blends cola and orange soda into one beverage.
- In Germany, if you order a Schorle, you will receive a soft drink that is a half-and-half mix of a fruit juice and sparkling water.
- The regional term Kracherl used in Austria and Southern Germany is an onomatopoeia that mimics the popping sound of carbonation bubbles.
Examples in context
- „Pop“ ist in den USA ein regionaler Begriff für Sprudel."Pop" is one of the regional terms in the U.S. for a carbonated soft drink.This sentence explains that "Pop" is a regional term for Sprudel in the USA.Tatoeba #13865537 by Waldelfe, translation #10617624 by shekitten
- Dieses neue Erfrischungsgetränk ist das Beste, was man in diesem Sommer trinkt.This new soft drink is the best thing to drink this summer.This sentence uses Erfrischungsgetränk to describe a great summer drink.Tatoeba #1651416 by Esperantostern, translation #58358 by Eldad
- Darf ich bitte eine Cola haben?May I have a Coke, please?
- Gib mir bitte einen OrangensaftGive me an orange juice, please
- Ich brauche ein paar ErfrischungsgetränkeI need a few soft drinks
- Welches Erfrischungsgetränk möchtest du bestellen?Which soft drink would you like to order?
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are at a restaurant.
- JulianMöchtest du ein Erfrischungsgetränk oder ein Wasser?Would you like a soft drink or a water?
- HannahIch nehme ein Erfrischungsgetränk, bitte.I'll take a soft drink, please.
- JulianSoll ich für dich eine Cola bestellen?Should I order a cola for you?
- HannahJa, das wäre super, Julian.Yes, that would be great, Julian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “soft drink” translations and entries Erfrischungsgetränk, Limonade, Sprudel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
