das  Super

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈzuːpɐ/

⛽ What exactly is "das Super"?

The word "das Super" is a German noun referring to a specific type of gasoline (Benzin), namely premium gasoline or high-octane gasoline. It's fuel with a higher octane rating (usually 95 RON or higher) than the previously common regular gasoline (Normalbenzin).

It derives from the adjective/adverb "super", meaning "excellent" or "great", indicating the higher quality or performance of the fuel.

⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse das Super (noun, neuter, meaning: premium gasoline) with the adjective/adverb super (meaning: great, awesome), which is invariable (e.g., "Das Auto ist super." - The car is great.).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of Super: Article and Declension

"Super" used for premium gasoline is a neuter noun, so the article is "das".

As it's a substance name (Stoffname), it's mostly used in the singular. A plural form ("die Super") is uncommon.

Declension Singular

Note: The genitive ending -s is often optional or avoided with substance names.

Example Sentences

• An der Tankstelle: "Einmal volltanken mit Super, bitte!" ("Fill it up with super, please!")
• "Ist das Super E10 oder E5?" ("Is this super E10 or E5?")
• "Mein Auto braucht Super Plus." ("My car needs Super Plus.")
• "Der Preis für das Super ist wieder gestiegen." ("The price for super has gone up again.")

⛽ When and how to use "das Super"?

The term "das Super" is used almost exclusively in the context of gas stations (Tankstellen) and motor vehicles (Kraftfahrzeuge).

• At the pump: You choose between different types of fuel like Diesel, Super (E5 or E10), or Super Plus.
• In conversation: People talk about which fuel their car needs or about gas prices ("Was kostet das Super heute?" - "What does super cost today?").
• Distinction: It serves to differentiate from diesel fuel and from gasoline types with lower (Normalbenzin, now largely obsolete) or higher (Super Plus) octane ratings.

In everyday language, people often just say "Super" when it's clear that premium gasoline is meant (e.g., "Ich muss noch Super tanken." - "I still need to get super."). The article "das" is used when specifically referring to this type of fuel as a substance ("Das Super ist teurer als E10." - "Super is more expensive than E10.").

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Super"

For the article (das): Think of das Benzin (gasoline) or das Auto (the car). Both are neuter. Imagine: Das Auto needs das Super.

For the meaning (Premium Gasoline): The gasoline is simply "super" for the engine – it has more octane! Picture a car driving with a superhero cape because it fueled up with Super.

🔄 Synonyms and Related Terms

🚨 Don't confuse it with the adjective/adverb "super" (great, awesome)!

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Tankwart: "Super?"
Antwortet der Fahrer: "Nein, danke. Nur Benzin. Ich bin schon super!" 😉

Translation:
The gas station attendant asks: "Super?"
The driver replies: "No, thanks. Just gasoline. I'm already super!" 😉

✒️ Poem about das Super

Der Tank fast leer, die Nadel fällt,
Zur Säule schnell, die uns gefällt.
Der Zapfhahn klickt, es fließt geschwind,
Das Super für das schnelle Kind.
Der Motor brummt, er dankt es dir,
Mit 95 Oktan fährt's gut sich hier.

Translation:
The tank almost empty, the needle drops,
Quickly to the pump that never stops.
The nozzle clicks, it flows so fast,
Das Super for the child built to last [referring to the car].
The engine hums, it thanks you dear,
With 95 octane, driving's good here.

❓ Riddle

Ich habe Oktan, doch bin kein Tier,
Man zapft mich an der Tankstelle hier.
Ich bin nicht Diesel, nicht E10,
Für viele Autos bin ich schön.

Was bin ich? (... Das Super)

Translation:
I have octane, but am not an animal,
You get me from the pump at this station here.
I am not Diesel, not E10,
For many cars, I am quite keen.

What am I? (... Das Super / Premium gasoline)

💡 Other Information

• Word Origin: The noun "das Super" is a shortening of "das Superbenzin". The "Super" part comes directly from the Latin adjective "super" (above, beyond), intended to emphasize the higher quality compared to Normalbenzin (regular gasoline).
• Octane Rating (Oktanzahl): The number (e.g., 95 for Super) indicates the fuel's resistance to knocking (Klopffestigkeit). A higher number means higher resistance, which is important for some engines.
• Variants: Besides standard Super (E5), you often find Super E10 (with more bioethanol) and Super Plus (with a higher octane rating, e.g., 98 or 100+).