der  Schluck

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʃlʊk/

💧 What exactly is a 'Schluck'?

The noun der Schluck has two main meanings:

1. The act of swallowing: This describes the physical movement of transporting liquid or food from the mouth down the esophagus. Example: "Er machte einen tiefen Schluck." (He took a deep swallow.)
2. A small amount of liquid: This refers to the quantity of liquid swallowed at one time. It's often an indefinite, small amount. Example: "Kann ich einen Schluck Wasser haben?" (Can I have a sip/gulp of water?)

The only article for this word is der. ⚠️ Don't confuse it with the verb schlucken (to swallow).

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Schluck

The word "Schluck" is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

📝 Example Sentences

• Der erste Schluck Kaffee am Morgen ist der beste. (The first sip of coffee in the morning is the best.)
• Wegen des großen Schluckes verschluckte er sich fast. (Because of the big gulp, he almost choked.)
• Mit einem letzten Schluck leerte er das Glas. (With one last swallow, he emptied the glass.)
• Sie nahm nur einen kleinen Schluck. (She only took a small sip.)
• Nach drei Schlücken war die Flasche leer. (After three gulps, the bottle was empty.)

🗣️ How to use 'der Schluck'?

"Der Schluck" is used very frequently in everyday life, mostly in the context of drinking.

• Drinks: "Nimm doch einen Schluck von meiner Limonade." (Go ahead, have a sip of my lemonade.)
• Medicine: "Trinken Sie den Hustensaft in kleinen Schlucken." (Drink the cough syrup in small sips.)
• Figurative / Idioms:
  • "Ein Schluck aus der Pulle": A direct, hearty swig from a bottle (often alcohol).
  • "Ein tiefer Schluck": Can also metaphorically mean a big effort or an unpleasant experience one has to 'swallow'.
  • "Nur ein kleiner Schluck": Just a tiny sip/amount.

It almost always implies a relatively small quantity or the single act of drinking/swallowing. For larger amounts or continuous drinking, other words are used (e.g., trinken - to drink, ein Glas - a glass, eine Flasche - a bottle).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Remembering the Article: Think of a thirsty dude (masculine -> der) who takes a big Schluck. Der dude, der Schluck.

Remembering the Meaning: The word "Schluck" sounds a bit like the English word 'slurp' or the sound of swallowing ('glug'). Imagine the liquid going schluck down your throat.

🔄 Synonyms & Contrasting Concepts for Schluck

⚠️ Similar words: Be careful not to confuse "der Schluck" with "der Schlauch" (hose) or "schlucken" (the verb 'to swallow').

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Kellner: "Möchten Sie noch einen Schluck Wein?"
Antwortet der Gast: "Nein danke, ich habe schon einen Schluckauf!"

Translation:
The waiter asks: "Would you like another sip of wine?"
The guest answers: "No thanks, I already have the hiccups!" (Schluckauf = hiccups)

📜 A Short Poem

Ein heißer Tag, die Kehle trocken,
ein kühles Glas, es wird mich locken.
Ein erster Schluck, so klar und rein,
ach, könnte es doch immer Sommer sein!

Translation:
A hot day, the throat is dry,
a cool glass, it will tempt me.
A first sip, so clear and pure,
oh, if only it could always be summer!

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin klein, doch lösch' den Brand,
komm aus Glas oder deiner Hand.
Man nimmt mich oft in einem Zug,
was bin ich wohl? Ein ...?

Translation:
I am small, yet quench the fire (thirst),
I come from glass or your hand.
One often takes me in one go (Zug/swig),
What am I? A ...?

Solution: der Schluck

💡 Other Interesting Facts

• Word Formation: "Der Schluck" is closely related to the verb "schlucken" (to swallow). It's a nominalization of the verb stem.
• Related Words:
  • Der Schluckauf: Hiccup(s).
  • Verschlucken: To choke on something, to swallow something the wrong way.
  • Runterschlucken: To swallow something down (can also mean to suppress anger or words).
• Onomatopoeia: The word itself has onomatopoeic characteristics, mimicking the sound of swallowing.