zwei Bier
/t͡svaɪ biːr/word by word
In German, the phrase for "two beers" is zwei Bier.
This phrase is used to request or order two servings of beer. When placing an order in a restaurant or bar, it is standard and polite to add bitte to the end of the phrase, resulting in Zwei Bier, bitte!
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Bier remains in its singular form even when it is preceded by a number greater than one.
How do you pronounce it?
/tsvaɪ biːr/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the plural form Biere when ordering, but zwei Bier is the standard way to refer to two servings of the beverage.
Did you know?
- The word Bier is conceptually linked to the sediment or dross found in the brewing process, deriving from a root meaning 'sediment' or 'yeast'.
- If you order zwei Bier in a traditional pub, the server might ask if you want them zusammen or getrennt, referring to whether you will pay the bill together or separately.
- If you were to use the plural form Biere, you would likely be referring to different types or brands of beer rather than two glasses of the same drink.
Examples in context
- Ich trinke nur ein oder zwei Bier.I'll just have one or two beers.This sentence shows how to use zwei Bier when talking about drinking a small amount.Tatoeba #2179667 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2133975 by Hybrid
- Zwei Bier, bitte!Two beers, please.This sentence shows how to use zwei Bier as a polite order.Tatoeba #533360 by Espi, translation #34846 by CK
- Tom hatte schon zwei Bier getrunken, aber sein Kopf war immer noch klar.Tom had already drunk two beers, but his head was still clear.This sentence shows how to use zwei Bier when describing a past action.Tatoeba #6202620 by felix63, translation #12233375 by Miktsoanit
- Könnten Sie mir bitte zwei Biere bringen?Could you please bring me two beers?
- Kannst du mir bitte zwei Biere bringen?Can you please bring me two beers?
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are sitting in a cozy German pub.
- LauraJulian, können wir zwei Bier bestellen?Julian, can we order two beers?
- JulianJa, ich rufe den Kellner.Yes, I will call the waiter.
- LauraDanke, ich habe großen Durst.Thanks, I am very thirsty.
- JulianIch auch, lass uns zwei Bier nehmen.Me too, let's have two beers.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (Zwei, Bier) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bier, zwei, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
