stilles Wasser
/ˌʃtɪləs ˈvasɐ/neuter
The English phrase "still water" is translated into German as stilles Wasser.
stilles Wasser refers specifically to water that does not have carbonation.
Meaning: water without carbonation (noun)
Which one should you use?
In restaurants or cafes, you might hear the word Sprudel used informally to mean sparkling water. This is often used in contrast to stilles Wasser.
How does it change in a sentence?
stilles Wasser is the nominative form. Because Wasser is a neuter noun and follows strong declension rules for a zero article, the phrase remains stilles Wasser when it functions as a direct object in the accusative case.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌʃtɪləs ˈvasɐ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid pronouncing the i in stilles as a hard English i. It should be a short, crisp vowel /ɪ/.
Did you know?
- Ordering stilles Wasser in a German restaurant often results in a bottled product being served, as tap water is not the cultural norm for dining.
- If you ask for Wasser, many waiters will instinctively assume you want sparkling water unless you specify stilles Wasser. In many German restaurants, the default is often bubbly.
- The word Sprudel, often used to mean sparkling water, actually refers to the 'bubbling' or 'surging' action of the liquid, rather than the water itself.
Examples in context
- Ich trinke lieber Sprudel als stilles Wasser.I prefer drinking sparkling water to still water.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference between sparkling water and stilles Wasser.Tatoeba #8491097 by Luiaard, translation #8491102 by Luiaard
- Ich trinke lieber Sprudelwasser als stilles Wasser.I prefer sparkling to still water.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference between Sprudelwasser and stilles Wasser.Tatoeba #8491093 by Luiaard, translation #12103035 by sundown
- Hast du stilles Mineralwasser?Do you have still mineral water?
- Ich hätte gerne stilles Wasser, bitte.I would like still water, please.
- Wo finde ich stilles Wasser?Where can I find still water?
- Kann ich Ihnen ein Glas stilles Wasser anbieten?Can I offer you a glass of still water?
- Ich trinke lieber stilles Wasser als Sprudelwasser.I prefer still water over sparkling water.
- Möchten Sie stilles Wasser oder Sprudel?Would you like still water or sparkling water?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a restaurant, the waiter approaches the table.
- SarahHaben Sie auch stilles Wasser?Do you also have still water?
- JulianJa, wir haben stilles Wasser und Sprudel.Yes, we have still water and sparkling water.
- SarahDann nehme ich bitte ein stilles Wasser.Then I'll take a still water, please.
- JulianGerne, kommt sofort.Certainly, it's coming right up.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “still water” translations and entries stilles Wasser, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
