der  Drink

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/dʁɪŋk/

🍹 What exactly is a Drink?

The word der Drink is an Anglicism used in German primarily for a mixed beverage, often containing alcohol. It typically refers to a cocktail or another prepared beverage enjoyed in a bar, at a party, or at home.

It can also more generally refer to an alcoholic beverage that is ordered or offered (e.g., „Noch einen Drink?“ - 'Another drink?').

⚠️ It's almost exclusively used for prepared or alcoholic drinks, rarely for simple beverages like water or juice in this context (for those, one would rather say das Getränk).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar: Der Drink in Detail

The noun „Drink“ is masculine and takes the article der. It is usually declined following the pattern of strong masculine nouns.

Example Sentences

• Der Barkeeper mixte einen exotischen Drink. (The bartender mixed an exotic drink.)
• Nach der Arbeit treffen wir uns auf einen Drink. (After work, we meet for a drink.)
• Die Auswahl an Drinks auf der Karte war riesig. (The selection of drinks on the menu was huge.)
• Der Preis dieses Drinks ist ziemlich hoch. (The price of this drink is quite high.)

🗣️ How to use "der Drink"?

The term der Drink is mostly used in informal or semi-formal contexts, especially related to socializing:

• In bars and restaurants: "Ich hätte gerne einen Drink." (I would like a drink.)
• At parties and celebrations: "Möchtest du einen Drink?" (Would you like a drink?)
• Colloquially: Often used synonymously with Cocktail, but can also mean other mixed alcoholic beverages or even a simple alcoholic drink (like a glass of wine or beer, in the context of 'going for a drink').

Compared to das Getränk, 'der Drink' is more specific and often implies alcohol or special preparation. Getränk is the neutral umbrella term for anything liquid that can be drunk (water, juice, soda, beer, wine, coffee, tea, etc.).

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Drink"

Article Mnemonic

Think of der Cocktail or der Longdrink. Both are typical types of 'Drinks' and are masculine in German. This helps remember: der Drink. Many Anglicisms referring to things you 'have' or 'take' tend to be masculine.

Meaning Mnemonic

A Drink sounds just like the English word and means almost the same – something to drink, usually something special or alcoholic, that you might dream of or have inkognito? 😉

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms (Similar Meaning)

• Der Cocktail: Often used synonymously, specifically refers to a mixed alcoholic beverage.
• Das Mischgetränk: A more general term for mixed drinks, can also be non-alcoholic.
• Das Getränk: The general term for any beverage (more neutral).
• Der Aperitif / Der Digestif: Drinks consumed before or after a meal, respectively.
• Der Absacker: A final Drink at the end of the evening (a 'nightcap').

Antonyms (Conceptual Opposites)

• Das nicht-alkoholische Getränk: e.g., Wasser (water), Saft (juice), Limonade (soda) - contrast to the often alcoholic 'Drink'.
• Das Essen / Die Speise: Food / The meal (the opposite of drinking).

Related Terms

• trinken (verb): The act of drinking.
• der Trank (archaic): An old word for potion or beverage, often found in fairy tales or myths.

😂 A Little Joke

DE: Fragt der Ober: "Noch einen Drink?" Antwortet der Gast: "Nein danke, ich kann schon nicht mehr geradeaus stehen!" Sagt der Ober: "Kein Problem, ich kann ihn Ihnen auch im Liegen servieren!"

EN: The waiter asks: "Another drink?" The guest replies: "No thanks, I can't even stand straight anymore!" The waiter says: "No problem, I can serve it to you lying down too!"

📜 A Poem about the Drink

DE: Ein Glas gefüllt, so kühl und klar,
der Drink ist fertig, wunderbar.
Mit Eis und Frucht, ein schöner Schein,
so lädt er uns zum Bleiben ein.
Ein Prost, ein Schluck, die Laune steigt,
Geselligkeit, die niemals schweigt.

EN: A glass filled up, so cool and clear,
the Drink is ready, wonderful cheer.
With ice and fruit, a lovely sight,
it invites us to stay the night.
A toast, a sip, the mood takes flight,
Sociability, ever bright.

❓ Riddle Time

DE: Ich bin oft bunt, mal süß, mal herb,
im Glas serviert, als Lohn für's Werk.
Man mischt mich gern auf Partys fein,
willst du 'nen ____, sag nicht nein!

EN: I'm often colorful, sometimes sweet, sometimes tart,
served in a glass, a reward for your part.
I'm gladly mixed at parties fine,
if you want a ____, don't decline!

(Solution: der Drink)

💡 Other Information

• Origin: The word "Drink" comes directly from English ('to drink', 'a drink').
• Compounds: It forms part of many compound words, such as Longdrink (a drink diluted with a non-alcoholic mixer), Shortdrink (a more concentrated drink), Welcome Drink (a drink offered upon arrival), Absacker-Drink (a 'nightcap' drink).