das  Getränk

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈtʁɛŋk/

🍹 What does "das Getränk" mean?

Das Getränk (noun, neuter) generally refers to a liquid intended for drinking. It's a general term for various types of drinkable liquids like Wasser (water), Saft (juice), Limonade (lemonade/soda), Bier (beer), Wein (wine), etc.

It only uses the article das. It refers to a single portion or a type of drink. The plural is die Getränke.

Example: Ein kaltes Getränk wäre jetzt herrlich. (A cold drink would be wonderful right now.)

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar in Detail: Das Getränk

The noun "Getränk" is neuter. The definite article is therefore das. Here is the declension:

Example Sentences 📝

• Nominative: Das Getränk steht auf dem Tisch. (The drink is on the table.)
• Genitive: Der Geschmack des Getränks ist erfrischend. (The taste of the drink is refreshing.)
• Dative: Ich gebe dem Getränk Eiswürfel hinzu. (I add ice cubes to the drink.)
• Accusative: Möchtest du ein Getränk bestellen? (Would you like to order a drink?)
• Plural: Die Getränke für die Party sind schon kaltgestellt. (The drinks for the party are already chilled.)

💡 How to use "Getränk"?

"Getränk" is a very common word in everyday life, especially when talking about food and drink.

• General term: Use it as a general term when you don't mean a specific type of drink. "Was für Getränke habt ihr?" (What kind of drinks do you have?)
• Ordering: In restaurants or cafés, you often ask for the Getränkekarte (drinks menu) or order ein Getränk (a drink).
• Distinction: It differs from specific terms like Wasser, Saft, Bier, Wein, Kaffee, Tee, etc. You would normally say "Ich trinke Wasser" (I drink water) rather than "Ich trinke ein Getränk", unless the context requires the general term.
• Plural "Getränke": Often used to refer to a selection or quantity of different drinks (e.g., at a party, in a supermarket).

⚠️ Avoid using "Getränk" when a more specific term is appropriate.

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Getränk"

1. For the article 'das':

   Think of the neutral feeling of thirst where you just need *something* to drink – something neutral, hence das Getränk. Or picture das Glas (the glass) with das Getränk on das Tablett (the tray) – lots of neuter things!

2. For the meaning 'beverage/drink':

   The word contains "tränk", which sounds very similar to the English "drink" or the German verb "trinken" (to drink). The prefix "Ge-" often forms collective nouns or nouns from verbs. So: Something that is ge-made for drinking -> das Getränk.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for "Getränk"

⚠️ Similar Words:

• Trinken (verb): The action of consuming a drink.
• Getränkt (adjective/participle): Soaked, drenched (e.g., "ein in Wein getränkter Kuchen" - a cake soaked in wine).

😄 A Little Joke

Kellner: "Hatten Sie schon ein Getränk?"
Gast: "Nein danke, ich bin mit dem Auto hier."

--- Translation ---

Waiter: "Have you had a drink yet?"
Guest: "No thanks, I'm here by car."

(This plays on the double meaning of "Getränk" - any drink vs. an alcoholic drink, which one might refuse if driving.)

📜 A Poem about Drinks

Ob heiß, ob kalt, ob klar, ob trüb,
Das Getränk, das macht uns lieb.
Ein Schluck, der uns Erfrischung schenkt,
An den man gerne oft gedenkt.
Wasser, Saft oder auch Wein,
Ein gutes Getränk muss sein!

--- Translation ---

Whether hot, whether cold, whether clear, whether cloudy,
The drink, that makes us happy/fond.
A sip that gives us refreshment,
Which one often fondly remembers.
Water, juice or even wine,
A good drink must be had!

❓ Riddle Time

Ich lösche deinen Durst geschwind,
bin flüssig, wie fast jedes Kind
es weiß. Mal süß, mal herb, mal klar,
ich steh' bereit das ganze Jahr.
Man kauft mich oft in der Kantine,
bin weder Speise noch Praline.

Was bin ich?

--- Translation & Answer ---

I quench your thirst quickly,
am liquid, as almost every child
knows. Sometimes sweet, sometimes tart, sometimes clear,
I stand ready all year.
People often buy me in the canteen,
I am neither food nor praline.

What am I?
(... Das Getränk / A drink/beverage)

🤓 More about "Getränk"

• Word Formation: The word "Getränk" is derived from the verb "trinken" (to drink). The prefix "Ge-" and the vowel change (umlaut ä instead of i) indicate a noun formation, often with a collective or resultative meaning (something that is there for drinking).
• Compound Words: There are many compound words with "Getränk", e.g.:
  • Die Getränkekarte: drinks menu
  • Der Getränkemarkt: beverage store/depot
  • Der Getränkeautomat: drinks vending machine
  • Das Erfrischungsgetränk: soft drink, refreshing beverage
  • Das Heißgetränk: hot drink (e.g., coffee, tea)
  • Das Kaltgetränk: cold drink (e.g., water, soda)