der  Sprit

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʃpʁɪt/

⛽ What exactly is "der Sprit"?

The word der Sprit is a colloquial German term with two main meanings:

1. Fuel for vehicles: Mostly, "Sprit" refers to Benzin (gasoline/petrol) or Diesel. It's the power source for many cars. Example: "Die Spritpreise sind schon wieder gestiegen." (The fuel prices have gone up again.)
2. Alcoholic beverages: Especially high-proof alcohol like Schnaps (liquor, spirits) is sometimes casually called "Sprit". Example: "Bringst du noch etwas Sprit für die Party mit?" (Are you bringing some more booze for the party?)

Although there is only one article (der), it's important to consider the context to understand the correct meaning. ⚠️ Don't confuse it with the chemical term "Spiritus" (methylated spirit/denatured alcohol), although it's etymologically related.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Sprit

"Sprit" is a masculine noun and always takes the article der. It is mostly used only in the singular, especially when meaning "fuel". The plural ("die Sprite") is very rare and rather unusual when talking about different types of fuel or alcohol, but grammatically possible.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

(Rarely used)

💡 Example Sentences

• Nominative: Der Sprit ist teuer geworden.
  (Fuel has become expensive.)
• Genitive: Der Geruch des Sprits hing in der Luft.
  (The smell of the booze hung in the air. - More likely for alcohol)
• Dative: Mit diesem Sprit fährt das Auto sparsamer.
  (With this fuel, the car runs more economically.)
• Accusative: Ich muss noch den Sprit für die Reise kaufen.
  (I still need to buy the fuel for the trip.)

🗣️ How to use "Sprit"?

"Sprit" is a word from colloquial language (Umgangssprache).

• In the context of "fuel": It's a very common word at gas stations (Tankstellen), in conversations about cars or travel costs. It's more informal than "Benzin" (gasoline/petrol), "Diesel", or the general term "Kraftstoff" (fuel). For instance, you might say: "Mein Auto verbraucht viel Sprit." (My car uses a lot of fuel.) or "Ich habe keinen Sprit mehr im Tank." (I have no fuel left in the tank.)
• In the context of "alcohol": This usage is even more informal and often used in casual social settings, e.g., at parties among friends. Example: "Wer hat den ganzen Sprit getrunken?" (Who drank all the booze?) It usually refers to spirits (Spirituosen) like Schnaps, vodka, etc., less commonly to beer or wine.

Comparison:

• Sprit vs. Benzin/Diesel: "Sprit" is the general colloquial term, while "Benzin" and "Diesel" are specific types of fuel.
• Sprit vs. Alkohol/Spirituosen: "Sprit" is a very informal alternative to "Alkohol" (alcohol) or "Spirituosen" (spirits).

🚨 In formal texts or conversations, it's better to use "Kraftstoff", "Benzin", "Diesel" or "Alkohol"/"Spirituosen".

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Sprit"

For the article (der): Think of der Motor, which needs der Sprit. Or think of der engine (masculine association in German, even though 'engine' is neuter in English). Both need 'Sprit' (fuel).

For the meanings (fuel & alcohol): Imagine someone filling up their car with Sprit (fuel) at the gas station, then driving to a party where there's also Sprit (booze). Both things 'fuel' something – the car or the party vibe! 😉

🔄 Synonyms, Antonyms & Similar Words

⚠️ Similar Words (Risk of Confusion):

• Spiritus: Usually refers to Brennspiritus (denatured alcohol/methylated spirit used for cleaning or burning), not suitable for drinking or modern cars.
• Gespritzt: The past participle of spritzen (to spray, squirt, inject). A gespritzter Apfelwein (apple wine spritzer) contains sparkling water.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Tankwart den Mantafahrer: "Super oder Normal?" Antwortet der Mantafahrer: "Boah, ey, krass normal, Super wär ich schon längst!"

Translation/Explanation:
The gas station attendant asks the Manta driver (stereotypical German muscle car driver): "Super (premium gas) or Normal (regular gas)?"
The Manta driver replies: "Whoa, dude, totally normal, if I were super, I would have been that long ago!"

(This plays on "Super" as a type of fuel (Sprit) and "super" as an adjective meaning great/fantastic, contrasting with "normal".)

📜 Sprit in Verse

Der Motor stottert, Tank ist leer,
Wo krieg ich nur mehr Sprit jetzt her?
Die Nadel sinkt, die Angst, sie steigt,
Zur Tanke schnell, bevor er schweigt.

Am Abend dann, die Party ruft,
Ein andrer Sprit liegt in der Luft.
Ein Gläschen Schnaps, die Stimmung toll,
Doch fahr nicht heim, bist du zu voll!

Translation:
The engine sputters, tank is empty,
Where can I get more fuel now?
The needle drops, the fear arises,
Quick to the gas station, before it falls silent.

Later that evening, the party calls,
A different kind of 'spirit' is in the air.
A small glass of Schnaps, the mood is great,
But don't drive home, if you're too drunk!

❓ Little Riddle

Ich treibe Autos an auf weiter Fahrt,
Doch auch im Glas find' ich mich, herber Art.
Mal flüssig Gold für den Motor,
Mal klarer Brand aus Omas Tor.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I power cars on long journeys,
But I'm also found in a glass, of a harsher kind.
Sometimes liquid gold for the engine,
Sometimes clear spirit from grandma's gate (idiomatic for homemade).

What am I?

Solution: Der Sprit

ℹ️ More about Sprit

• Etymology: The word "Sprit" derives from the Latin "spiritus", meaning spirit, breath, soul. Through the term "Spiritus" (alcohol, spirit of wine), it developed its colloquial meaning for alcohol and later also for fuel.
• Compound words (Wortzusammensetzungen): "Sprit" is part of many compound words, especially in the context of fuel: Spritpreis (fuel price), Spritverbrauch (fuel consumption), Spritsorte (type of fuel), Spritsparen (saving fuel), Spritfresser (coll. for a car with high fuel consumption, lit. 'fuel eater').