der  Radler

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʁaːtlɐ/

🚴🍺 What does "der Radler" mean?

The German word der Radler has two main meanings:

1. The cyclist: A person who rides a bicycle. It's a synonym for der Fahrradfahrer.
2. The shandy / beer mix: A beverage typically made by mixing beer (usually Helles or Pils) and lemonade in equal parts. It's particularly popular in summer.

Although it has two meanings, the article is always der (masculine).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Declension of "der Radler"

Der Radler is a masculine noun. It is declined the same way for both meanings (cyclist and drink).

Singular

Plural

Example Sentences

1. Meaning Cyclist:
   • Der Radler fuhr schnell den Berg hinunter. (The cyclist rode quickly down the hill.)
   • Wir sahen viele Radler auf dem Donauradweg. (We saw many cyclists on the Danube cycle path.)
   • Das ist das Fahrrad des Radlers. (That is the cyclist's bicycle.)
   • Ich gebe dem Radler ein Zeichen. (I give a sign to the cyclist.)
2. Meaning Drink:
   • Im Biergarten bestelle ich mir oft einen Radler. (In the beer garden, I often order a shandy.)
   • Bringst du bitte zwei Radler mit? (Could you please bring two shandies?)
   • Der Geschmack des Radlers ist sehr erfrischend. (The taste of the shandy is very refreshing.)
   • Mit einem Radler kann man den Durst gut löschen. (You can quench your thirst well with a shandy.)

💡 How to use "der Radler"?

The usage of der Radler depends heavily on the context:

• As cyclist: You refer to someone as a Radler when they are currently riding a bike or do so regularly. It's a common term in everyday language and news, often slightly more informal than Fahrradfahrer.
  • Example: "Achtung, hier kreuzen oft Radler den Weg." (Attention, cyclists often cross the path here.)
• As a drink: You order or talk about a Radler in pubs (Gaststätten), beer gardens (Biergärten), or when shopping. It's a well-known and widespread beverage, especially in Southern Germany and Austria. In Northern Germany, the term Alsterwasser (or Alster for short) is often used for the mix of Pilsner beer and lemonade. In some regions, variations with orange soda exist (sometimes called "Diesel" when mixed with cola) or different types of beer.
• Example: "Ein kühles Radler nach der Wanderung ist perfekt." (A cool shandy after the hike is perfect.)

⚠️ Pay attention to the context to avoid misunderstandings, although confusion is rare.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Remembering the article: Think of der Mann (the man). Der Mann rides a bike -> der Radler (the cyclist). And after his ride, this man likes a drink that seems made for him -> der Radler (the shandy). Both are masculine der.

Remembering the meanings: The word contains "Rad" (wheel/bike). Who rides a Rad? Der Radler! What might they drink to cool down? A Radler!

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

Similar but different words

• Das Rad: The vehicle itself (bicycle).
• Die Rast: A break or rest a cyclist might take.
• Der Raddampfer: A paddle steamer ship.

😄 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Ober den Gast im Biergarten: "Was darf es sein?"
Der Gast, völlig erschöpft und verschwitzt: "Ich bin 100 Kilometer mit dem Rad gefahren. Ich brauche dringend einen Radler!"
Der Ober: "Okay, aber das Getränk oder soll ich Ihnen einen Kollegen rufen?"

English Translation: The waiter asks the guest in the beer garden: "What can I get you?"
The guest, completely exhausted and sweaty: "I've cycled 100 kilometers. I urgently need a Radler!"
The waiter: "Okay, but the drink or should I call a colleague (cyclist) for you?"

📜 Poem about the Radler

German:
Der Radler strampelt, tritt pedein,
Bergauf, bergab, bei Sonnenschein.
Sein Ziel ist nah, die Kehle trocken,
Er träumt vom Krug, will gerne hocken.

Im Wirtshaus dann, nach all der Tour,
Bestellt er kühl und ohne Murr:
Nicht pures Gold, das stark und herb,
Nein, halb Limo, fürs Freudenerwerb.
Ein Radler für den Radler hier,
Erfrischend, spritzig, dieses Bier!

English Translation:
The cyclist pedals, pushes on,
Uphill, downhill, in the sun.
His goal is near, his throat is dry,
He dreams of mugs, beneath the sky.

In the inn then, after the tour's strain,
He orders cool, without complain:
Not pure gold, that's strong and tart,
But half lemonade, a joyful start.
A shandy for the cyclist here,
Refreshing, fizzy, this light beer!

❓ Riddle: Who or what am I?

German:
Ich trete kräftig in Pedale,
fahre Strecken, schmale,ale.
Manchmal bin ich auch im Glas,
halb hell, halb süß, macht Sommerspaß.

Wer oder was bin ich, sag an?
(Ein Tipp: Ich bin ein Mann! ... zumindest grammatikalisch)

English Translation:
I pedal hard with all my might,
Cover distances, narrow or wide.
Sometimes I'm also in a glass,
Half light, half sweet, a summer blast.

Who or what am I, tell me true?
(Hint: I'm masculine... grammatically, phew!)

Solution: Der Radler

🤓 Trivia and Origin

Where does the name for the drink "Radler" come from? Legend has it that it was invented in the late 19th or early 20th century at an inn south of Munich (often the Kugler Alm is mentioned). When, on a hot day, an unexpected number of thirsty cyclists arrived and the beer was about to run out, the innkeeper supposedly stretched it with lemonade. He called it "Radlermaß" (cyclist's liter) because it was specifically intended for the cyclists (Radler).

The word origin for the cyclist is straightforward: It comes from "Rad" (bicycle) + the suffix "-ler" (indicates a person performing an action).