Wasser
/ˈvasər/neuter
The English word "water" is Wasser in German. Wiktionary also lists wassa and Wossa.
Meaning: inorganic compound H₂O (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Wasser | /ˈvasər/ | neuter |
| wassa | ||
| Wossa | neuter |
Wasser refers to the inorganic compound H₂O. If you want to specify mineral water, use the term Mineralwasser. For a playful or diminutive way to refer to water, you can use Wässerchen.
Which one should you use?
Wasser is the standard form. Wossa is a dialectal or colloquial variant. The form wassa is also a variation of the word.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Wossa is a colloquial form, while Wässerchen is an informal and playful way to say water.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Wossa is a colloquial pronunciation often heard in Southern Germany or Austria.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Wasser is a neuter noun and is used with the definite article das (das Wasser). The genitive singular form, used to mean "of the water", is Wassers.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈvasər/
Did you know?
- In Germany, requesting Wasser at a restaurant will almost always result in you being served carbonated water, known as Sprudel. To get non-carbonated water, you must specifically ask for stilles Wasser.
- The English word 'water' and the German word Wasser are essentially linguistic cousins, both descending from the same Proto-Indo-European root '*wed-'.
- German makes a technical distinction between Leitungswasser, which refers specifically to the water coming out of the pipes, and Trinkwasser, which is the general term for water safe for human consumption.
Examples in context
- Tom bat um Wasser.Tom asked for some water.This sentence uses Wasser to show how to ask for the substance.Tatoeba #2976052 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2644969 by CK
- Ich war im Wasser.I was in the water.This sentence uses Wasser to describe being located within the substance.Tatoeba #8317475 by Luiaard, translation #3818683 by CK
- Im Wasser ist Blut.There's blood in the water.This sentence uses Wasser to describe something contained within the substance.Tatoeba #1598362 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1598348 by Spamster
- Ich trinke gerne ein Glas Wasser mit meiner Mahlzeit.I enjoy drinking a glass of water with my meal.
- Kannst du bitte etwas Mineralwasser mitbringen?Can you please bring some mineral water?
- Hast du Wasser in deiner Trinkflasche?Do you have water in your water bottle?
- Heute ist es sehr heiß, trink bitte viel Wasser.Today is very hot, so please drink plenty of water.
- 1884 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are at a restaurant.
- MaximilianMöchtest du auch ein Wasser?Would you like a water too?
- LauraJa, bitte. Mit Gas.Yes, please. Sparkling.
- MaximilianIch bestelle uns zwei Wasser.I will order two waters for us.
- LauraDas ist eine gute Idee, Maximilian.That is a good idea, Maximilian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “water” translations and entries Wasser, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Wasser, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
