Wasser
/ˈvasər/
Wasser is the German word for water.
Wasser is the standard and most commonly used term for water in everyday conversations. Depending on the specific type of water you are referring to, you might use more precise terms: Leitungswasser for tap water, Trinkwasser for drinking water, Wasser aus der Flasche for bottled water, Brunnenwasser for water from a well or fountain, Quellwasser for spring water or Sprudel to colloquially refer to water or carbonated water.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Wasser is neuter and is used with the definite article das. The genitive singular form, meaning "of the water" or "water's", is Wassers. While the plural form Wässer exists, it is used much less frequently than the singular form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈvasər/
Did you know?
- In Germany, if you ask for Wasser at a restaurant, you will likely be served carbonated water, as still water is specifically called stilles Wasser.
- In German, 'Wasser' can also be used as a prefix in various technical terms, such as Wasserstoff, which means 'hydrogen' (literally 'water-stuff').
- The German word Wasser is a direct cognate of the English 'water', sharing the same ancient roots from the Proto-Indo-European term *wódr̥.
Examples in context
- Guten Tag, könnten Sie mir bitte ein Glas Trinkwasser bringen?Good day, could you please bring me a glass of drinking water?
- Kannst du mir bitte ein Glas Wasser bringen?Can you please bring me a glass of water?
- Ein Glas Wasser, bitte.A glass of water, please.
- Möchtest du kaltes Wasser?Would you like cold water?
- Das Wasser ist sehr kalt.The water is very cold.
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are sitting at a restaurant table.
- HannahMöchtest du etwas zu trinken, Felix?Would you like something to drink, Felix?
- FelixJa, ein Wasser bitte.Yes, a water please.
- HannahMit oder ohne Kohlensäure?Still or sparkling?
- FelixOhne Kohlensäure, bitte.Still, please.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Wasser, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Wasser, CC BY-SA 4.0.
