Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| platschen | /ˈplat͡ʃn̩/ |
| pritscheln | /pʁɪtʃl̩n/ |
| spritzen | [ˈʃpʁɪt͡sn̩] (narrow) |
The German language uses different verbs depending on the nature of the splash. platschen is used when the focus is on the playful movement in water or the sound produced by splashing. The noun Platschen refers to the sound made by an object hitting a liquid. You can also use the onomatopoeic term Platsch to imitate the actual sound of a liquid splashing into or onto something.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on how the liquid is moving. Use platschen for playful movement or when focusing on the sound of the splash. Use spritzen when liquid is being sprayed or jetted out in a directed way, such as from a nozzle or a hose. Use pritscheln to describe a light, gentle or rhythmic splashing sound, which is often used for light rain or small amounts of water.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of platschen is geplatscht, while the past participle of pritscheln is gepritschelt.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈplatʃn̩/
Did you know?
- In a medical context, spritzen is the standard term for injecting a patient with a needle.
- The word spritzen comes from the Proto-Germanic word *sprittōną, which meant 'to disperse', showing that the core concept was about spreading rather than just splashing.
- The verb spritzen is used to describe the way champagne bubbles erupt from a bottle during a celebration.
Examples in context
- Die Kinder lieben es, ins Wasser zu platschen, wenn sie die Wasserrutsche herunterkommen.Children enjoy making a splash in the water as they come off a waterslide.This sentence is useful for seeing how platschen is used in the context of children playing in water.Tatoeba #509893 by Espi, translation #245965 by witbrock
- Ein Spritzer Wasser landete auf dem Boden.A splash of water landed on the ground.
- Das sanfte Plätschern des Wassers beruhigte sie.The gentle splash of the water calmed her.
- Die Kinder planschten vergnügt im Pool.The children splashed joyfully in the pool.
- Der Kieselstein fiel ins Wasser und machte "Platsch."The pebble fell into the water and made a "splash."
- Die große Welle klatschte gegen das Ufer.The big wave splashed against the shore.
- Hör auf, so laut im Wasser zu platschen!Stop splashing so loudly in the water!
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are walking by a river.
- LukasSchau mal, wie die Fische im Wasser platschen!Look at how the fish are splashing in the water!
- JuliaDas sieht wirklich lustig aus, Lukas.That looks really funny, Lukas.
- LukasIch will auch dort platschen.I want to splash there too.
- JuliaNein, sonst werden deine Schuhe nass!No, otherwise your shoes will get wet!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “splash” translations and entries platschen, pritscheln, spritzen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries platschen, spritzen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
