das  Quellwasser

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkvɛlˌvasɐ/

💧 What exactly is Quellwasser?

Das Quellwasser refers to water that emerges directly from a natural spring (die Quelle) at the Earth's surface. It's often considered particularly pure, fresh, and natural because it's naturally filtered as it passes through various layers of rock and soil.

Unlike some mineral water (das Mineralwasser), it isn't necessarily carbonated or additionally mineralized, although many mineral waters originate as Quellwasser.

There is only one article for this word: das Quellwasser. It is a neuter noun.

📚 Grammar of Quellwasser in Detail

The word "Quellwasser" is a neuter noun. The article is always das.

Declension (Singular):

Plural: The plural form "die Quellwässer" or "die Quellwasser" is rarely used. It might sometimes designate different types or occurrences of spring water (e.g., "Die verschiedenen Quellwässer der Region wurden analysiert." - The different spring waters of the region were analyzed.). However, usually, even for larger quantities, one refers to "Quellwasser" in the singular.

Example Sentences

• Viele Menschen bevorzugen den Geschmack von Quellwasser gegenüber Leitungswasser.
  (Many people prefer the taste of spring water over tap water.)
• Die Qualität des Quellwassers wird regelmäßig überprüft.
  (The quality of the spring water is regularly checked.)
• Wir füllten unsere Flaschen mit frischem Quellwasser direkt aus dem Berg.
  (We filled our bottles with fresh spring water directly from the mountain.)
• Man sagt dem Quellwasser oft heilende Eigenschaften nach.
  (Spring water is often said to have healing properties.)

💡 When to use Quellwasser?

Context: The word "Quellwasser" is primarily used when talking about water that comes directly from a natural spring (Quelle). It often carries a positive connotation of purity, naturalness, and health (Gesundheit).

• Health & Wellness: Often mentioned in the context of healthy eating or wellness.
• Nature & Hiking: Hikers often fill their bottles at natural springs.
• Product Labeling: Many bottled waters are sold as "Quellwasser".

Distinction:

• Leitungswasser/Hahnenwasser: Tap water; treated water from the public supply.
• Mineralwasser: Mineral water; must be officially recognized, comes from underground sources, and has a specific mineral content. Can be Quellwasser, but not all Quellwasser is Mineralwasser.
• Tafelwasser: Table water; often a blend of different types of water (e.g., drinking water, mineral water, saltwater), may contain additives.

🧠 Mnemonics for Quellwasser

Article Mnemonic: Think of das Wasser (water). The ending is similar, and the article is the same: das Quellwasser. Both are neuter.

Meaning Mnemonic: Quelle means 'source' or 'spring'. So, Quellwasser is simply 'water from the source', very natural.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Note: Not every "natural water" is automatically Quellwasser. Mineralwasser has specific legal requirements.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Wanderer die Quelle: "Bist du immer so erfrischend?"
Antwortet die Quelle: "Ja, ich kann einfach nicht anders, als aus mir herauszusprudeln!"

Translation:
The hiker asks the spring: "Are you always this refreshing?"
The spring replies: "Yes, I just can't help but bubble out!" (Wordplay: "heraussprudeln" means to bubble out/gush, but also to blurt out ideas/words).

📜 Poem about Quellwasser

Aus dunklem Fels, aus tiefem Grund,
strömt es hervor zu jeder Stund'.
Das Quellwasser, so klar und rein,
soll Labsal und Erfrischung sein.
Ein Schluck Natur, direkt vom Ort,
trägt Sorgen und den Durst schnell fort.

Translation:
From dark rock, from deep ground,
it flows forth at every hour round.
The spring water, so clear and pure,
shall be solace and refreshment sure.
A sip of nature, right from the place,
carries worries and thirst away with grace.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich tanze nicht, doch fließe ich,
aus Fels und Moos entspringe ich.
Man füllt mich in die Flasche gern,
und trinkt mich kühl, von nah und fern.
Ich bin nicht aus dem Hahn, oh nein,
was mag ich wohl nur sein?

Translation:
I do not dance, yet I do flow,
From rock and moss, I spring and grow.
People like to bottle me with glee,
And drink me cool, from near and far, you see.
I'm not from the tap, oh no,
What could I possibly be, do you know?

Solution: Das Quellwasser / Spring water

ℹ️ More Interesting Facts

Word Composition:

The word "Quellwasser" is a compound noun, composed of:

• die Quelle: spring, source (place where water naturally emerges); origin.
• das Wasser: water (H₂O).

So it literally means "water from the spring/source".

Trivia:

• Quellwasser is often considered particularly valuable and marketed accordingly.
• The composition of Quellwasser can vary greatly depending on the geological conditions of the region.
• In many cultures, springs (Quellen) and spring water (Quellwasser) hold special, sometimes mythical or sacred significance.