das
Seidel
🍺 What exactly is a Seidel?
The German word Seidel has two main meanings:
- A drinking vessel for beer: Usually a beer mug or a large beer glass, often with a handle. It typically holds 0.3 or 0.5 liters. Sometimes it's used more generally for a beer stein or mug.
Example: "Er bestellte ein kühles Seidel Bier." (He ordered a cold Seidel of beer.) - An old unit of measurement for liquids: Especially in Bavaria and Austria, the Seidel was a common unit of measure. The exact size varied significantly by region but was often between 0.3 and 0.5 liters.
Example: "Früher kaufte man Milch im Seidel." (In the past, people bought milk by the Seidel.) (This meaning is mostly historical or regional today.)
🚨 Important: Although it's a vessel, the article is das (neuter), not der.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Das Seidel
The noun "Seidel" is neuter. It is declined as follows:
Singular Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das | Seidel |
| Genitive | des | Seidels |
| Dative | dem | Seidel |
| Accusative | das | Seidel |
Plural Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Seidel |
| Genitive | der | Seidel |
| Dative | den | Seideln |
| Accusative | die | Seidel |
Example Sentences
- Der Wirt brachte mir ein volles Seidel. (The innkeeper brought me a full Seidel. - Accusative Singular)
- Der Henkel des Seidels war abgebrochen. (The handle of the Seidel was broken. - Genitive Singular)
- Wir tranken aus schweren Seideln. (We drank from heavy Seidels. - Dative Plural)
- Die alten Seidel standen im Regal. (The old Seidels stood on the shelf. - Nominative Plural)
🍻 When to use 'das Seidel'?
The term "Seidel" is mainly used in the following contexts:
- Gastronomy: Especially in beer gardens (Biergärten), pubs (Wirtshäuser), and at folk festivals (like Oktoberfest), to order or describe a beer in a mug or large glass (usually 0.5l).
- Regionally: Its use is more common in Southern Germany (Bavaria) and Austria than in the North.
- Historically: When discussing old units of measurement.
Distinction from similar terms:
- Krug: A more general term for a jug or pitcher with a handle, often made of pottery or ceramic. Can also be used for other liquids. A Seidel is often more specific to beer and can also be made of glass.
- Humpen: Similar to Seidel or Krug, often refers to a beer mug with a lid (a stein).
- Maß: In Bavaria and Austria, specifically refers to one liter of beer, usually served in a Maßkrug. A Seidel is typically smaller (0.3l or 0.5l).
- Glas: The most general term for a drinking vessel made of glass. A Seidel can be a specific type of (beer) Glas.
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Article Mnemonic: Think of das Glas (the glass). A Seidel is often a special beer glass, and "Glas" is neuter -> das Seidel.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine sitting on the side-L (sounds like Seidel) of a beer garden, drinking a cool beer from a large glass/mug – a Seidel.
🔄 Similar and Opposing Terms
Synonyms (for beer mug/glass):
- Bierkrug: Very similar, emphasizes the material (often ceramic/stoneware) or shape.
- Humpen: Often a larger mug, sometimes lidded (stein).
- (Bier-)Glas (0,5l): If it's made of glass.
- Krügel/Krügerl (Austrian): Austrian term for 0.5l of beer in a mug/glass.
Synonyms (for unit of measure):
- (altes) Hohlmaß: Generic term for (old) liquid measure.
- Schoppen (regionally varies): Another old unit of measure, often also 0.5l.
Antonyms:
Direct antonyms are difficult. As opposites, one could mention:
- die Tasse: Smaller vessel, usually for hot drinks (cup).
- das Schnapsglas: Very small glass for spirits (shot glass).
- die Flasche: A different container for drinks (bottle).
⚠️ Risk of Confusion:
- Seidl (Surname): The common German surname Seidl or Seidel exists.
- Siedler: Settler (person who settles) - has some phonetic similarity.
😄 A Little Joke
German: Fragt der Wirt: "Noch ein Seidel?" Sagt der Gast: "Nein danke, ich bin Seidel-satt!"
English Translation: The innkeeper asks: "Another Seidel?" The guest replies: "No thanks, I'm 'Seidel'-full!" (This is a pun on "leid sein" or "satt sein" meaning 'to be tired of' or 'full up', playing with the sound of Seidel).
✍️ Poem about the Seidel
German:
Im Biergarten, kühl und hold,
steht das Seidel, glänzend Gold.
Gefüllt mit Gerstensaft so klar,
für den Durstigen wunderbar.
Der Henkel fest, das Glas so rein,
so soll ein gutes Bierchen sein!
English Translation:
In the beer garden, cool and lovely,
stands the Seidel, shining gold.
Filled with barley juice so clear,
wonderful for the thirsty dear.
The handle firm, the glass so pure,
that's how a good little beer should lure!
❓ Riddle Time
German:
Ich hab 'nen Henkel, bin aus Glas oft klar,
Fass' meist 'nen halben Liter, wunderbar.
In Bayern und in Österreich bekannt,
für kühles Bier werd' ich genannt.
Was bin ich?
English Translation:
I have a handle, am often made of clear glass,
Usually hold half a liter, wonderfully.
Known in Bavaria and Austria, alas,
I'm named when cold beer you fancy.
What am I?
Solution: das Seidel
💡 Other Interesting Facts
- Etymology: The origin of the word "Seidel" is not entirely clear. It might be related to the Latin "situla" (bucket) or the Old High German "sidila" (small vessel).
- Regional Measures: The historical measure "Seidel" was very inconsistent. In Vienna, it corresponded to about 0.354 liters, while in Bavaria, it was often closer to 0.535 liters (half a Bavarian Maß).
- Materials: Seidel can be made of glass, stoneware, ceramic, or pewter. Glass Seidel are the most common today.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Seidel?
The correct form is das Seidel (neuter). It primarily refers to a beer mug or a large beer glass (often 0.5l) or an outdated unit of measurement for liquids.