der  Ölpreis

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈøːlpʁaɪ̯s/

🌍 What does "der Ölpreis" mean?

Der Ölpreis translates directly to the oil price. It refers to the market price for a specific quantity (usually one barrel, about 159 liters) of crude oil of a particular type (e.g., Brent or WTI). It's a key indicator in the global economy as it influences the cost of energy and many products.

Since the German word for price (Preis) is masculine (der Preis), the compound word der Ölpreis is also masculine. There are no other articles or meanings for this specific term. ⚠️ Remember: It's always der Ölpreis.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Ölpreis

The noun "Ölpreis" is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

Example Sentences

• Der Ölpreis ist gestern stark gefallen. (The oil price fell sharply yesterday.)
• Die Entwicklung des Ölpreises wird genau beobachtet. (The development of the oil price is being closely monitored.)
• Viele Industrien leiden unter dem hohen Ölpreis. (Many industries are suffering from the high oil price.)
• Die Nachrichten berichten täglich über die Ölpreise. (The news reports on the oil prices daily.)

📈 Application and Context

The term Ölpreis is mainly used in economic and political contexts:

• Wirtschaftsnachrichten (Economic news): Reports on fluctuations in the oil markets.
• Energiepolitik (Energy policy): Discussions about dependencies and alternative energies.
• Alltag (Everyday life): Indirectly felt through Benzinpreise (gas/petrol prices) and Heizkosten (heating costs).

Often, a distinction is made between different types of crude oil (e.g., Brent-Ölpreis, WTI-Ölpreis). The general term "Ölpreis" usually refers to one of these benchmark prices.

There's little risk of confusion as the word is very specific. Sometimes, people might simply say "Öl" (oil) when meaning the price (e.g., "Öl wird teurer" - Oil is getting more expensive).

🧠 Mnemonics for Ölpreis

Article Mnemonic: Think of der Preis (the price). Prices are often debated in a 'manly', competitive way. Imagine the (der) tough fight over the price (den Preis) of oil.

Meaning Mnemonic: It's straightforward: the Preis (price) for Öl (oil). Picture a price tag hanging on a barrel of oil.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar but different terms:

• Energiekosten: (Energy costs) Broader term including gas, electricity etc.
• Rohstoffpreis: (Commodity price) Umbrella term for all raw materials.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Scheich seinen Sohn: "Was wünschst du dir zum Geburtstag?"
Sohn: "Einen niedrigen Ölpreis!"
Scheich: "Sei nicht albern, wünsch dir was Realistisches!"

(The sheikh asks his son: "What do you want for your birthday?"
Son: "A low oil price!"
Sheikh: "Don't be silly, wish for something realistic!")

📜 Poem about the Oil Price

Der Preis fürs Öl, mal hoch, mal tief,
die Wirtschaft zittert, schläft ganz schief.
Mal steigt er an, zur Börsen Pein,
mal fällt er ab, dann tankt man fein.
Ein Fass voll Macht, in Zahlen nur,
der Ölpreis lenkt die Welt-Kontur.

(The price of oil, now high, now low,
the economy trembles, loses its flow.
Sometimes it rises, causing market pain,
sometimes it falls, we fill our tanks again.
A barrel of power, just numbers in view,
the oil price shapes the world's contour anew.)

❓ Riddle

Ich schwanke täglich, Stund' um Stund',
mach Tanken teuer oder gesund.
Bin in den Nachrichten präsent,
mein Auf und Ab die Welt nicht kennt?
Ich bin der ...?

(I fluctuate daily, hour by hour,
make fueling expensive or cower.
I'm present in the news reports you see,
does the world not know my ups and downs, maybe?
I am the...?)

💡 More about Ölpreis

Word Composition:

The word is a compound noun, composed of:

• Öl: (Oil) Refers to petroleum/crude oil.
• Preis: (Price) The cost or value.

Important Benchmark Crudes:

The most well-known global benchmark prices are:

• Brent Crude: North Sea oil, important for Europe.
• West Texas Intermediate (WTI): US benchmark oil.

The Ölpreis is typically quoted in US dollars per barrel.