die  Bar

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/baːɐ̯/

🍹 What exactly is 'die Bar'?

The German word die Bar has several meanings, all using the feminine article "die":

1. An establishment: A place primarily serving drinks, especially alcoholic ones. Similar to a pub or bar in English. Example: Wir treffen uns heute Abend in einer gemütlichen Bar. (We're meeting in a cozy bar tonight.)
2. The counter: The counter in an establishment where drinks are prepared and served. You can also sit directly at the bar. Known as 'die Theke' or 'der Tresen' as well. Example: Er bestellte sein Bier direkt an der Bar. (He ordered his beer directly at the bar.)
3. A unit of pressure: A physical unit for pressure, often used for tire pressure or in meteorology. 1 Bar equals 100,000 Pascal. Example: Der Reifendruck sollte 2,5 Bar betragen. (The tire pressure should be 2.5 bar.)

🚨 Attention: The word "bar" also exists as an adjective, meaning "in cash" (e.g., Ich zahle bar. - I'm paying cash.) or "bare" (e.g., barfuß - barefoot). These are unrelated to the noun "die Bar".

📐 Grammar of 'die Bar' in Detail

"Die Bar" is a feminine noun. Here are the declension tables:

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

Example Sentences

• Nominative: Die Bar öffnet erst um 18 Uhr. (The bar doesn't open until 6 PM.)
• Genitive: Der Besitzer der Bar ist sehr freundlich. (The owner of the bar is very friendly.)
• Dative: Wir sitzen gerne an der Bar. (We like sitting at the bar/counter.)
• Accusative: Ich sehe die Bar schon von weitem. (I can see the bar from afar.)
• Nominative (Plural): In dieser Straße gibt es viele Bars. (There are many bars on this street.)
• Accusative (Unit): Die Pumpe erzeugt einen Druck von 10 Bar. (The pump generates a pressure of 10 bar.)

🍸 When to use 'die Bar'?

The use of die Bar depends heavily on the context:

• As an establishment: You talk about a 'Bar' when it's more about drinks, often in a more modern or stylish setting than a traditional 'Kneipe'. A 'Hotelbar' is a bar within a hotel.
• As a counter: In the context of an establishment, 'die Bar' often specifically refers to the counter. You can sit or order 'an der Bar' (at the bar). Synonyms here are 'die Theke' or 'der Tresen'. 'Die Bar' often sounds a bit more international or upscale than 'Theke' or 'Tresen'.
• As a unit: In technical or scientific contexts (physics, meteorology, engineering), 'Bar' is used as a unit of measurement for pressure. It's important not to confuse this with the other meanings.

In comparison to:

• Die Kneipe: More traditional, cozy, often simpler than a Bar. Like a local pub.
• Das Lokal: A general term for a place where you can eat or drink (restaurant, pub, bar).
• Die Theke / Der Tresen: Focus on the piece of furniture where service happens. 'Theke' is very common, 'Tresen' slightly more colloquial. Both mean counter.

🧠 How to remember 'die Bar'

For the article 'die': Imagine a sophisticated lady (feminine -> 'die') elegantly sitting at die Bar. Many places of social gathering in German are feminine (die Kneipe, die Disco, die Bar).

For the meanings: Picture this scene: You enter a Bar (establishment), sit down at the Bar (counter), and order a drink. Suddenly, there's a hissing sound – the bartender checks the pressure in the soda bottle: "Zwei Bar (two bars of pressure), perfect!"

🔁 Synonyms, Antonyms & Similar Words

⚠️ Similar / Confusing Words

• bar (adjective): Means 'cash' (bar zahlen - pay cash), 'bare' (barfuß - barefoot), or 'devoid of' (bar jeder Vernunft - devoid of all reason). Completely different meaning!
• Der Bar: An obsolete unit for gold or silver bars. Rarely used today.

😄 A Little Joke

Ein Skelett geht in eine Bar und bestellt ein Bier und einen Wischmopp.

English: A skeleton walks into a bar and orders a beer and a mop.

📜 A Little Poem

In der Bar, bei schummrigem Licht,
Sitzt man gern, Gesicht an Gesicht.
Bestellt einen Drink an der Bar, ganz klar,
Vergisst die Zeit, wie wunderbar.
Doch prüft der Wirt mit Kennerblick,
Den Druck der Leitung, Stück für Stück,
Ob auch genug Bar vorhanden ist,
Damit der Zapfhahn niemals trist.

English Translation:
In the bar, in dim light so low,
People sit closely, putting on a show.
Order a drink at the bar, it's clear,
Forgetting time, holding it dear.
But the landlord checks with an expert eye,
The line pressure, way up high,
If enough bar (pressure) is truly there,
So the tap never runs with despair.

🤔 Little Riddle

Ich habe einen Tresen, doch kein Geld darin.
Ich schenke aus, doch bin kein Königssinn.
Ich messe Druck, doch fühl' ihn nicht.
Wer oder was bin ich?

English:
I have a counter, but no money within.
I serve drinks, but am not of royal kin.
I measure pressure, but don't feel its might.
Who or what am I?

Solution: die Bar (in its different meanings)

🧐 More about 'die Bar'

Word Origin (Etymology)

• Die Bar (establishment/counter): Likely comes via English 'bar' from Old French 'barre' ("rod", "barrier"), originally referring to the barrier or counter separating the serving area from the guest area.
• Die Bar (pressure unit): Derived from the Greek word βάρος (báros), meaning "weight" or "heaviness".

Compound Words (Wortzusammensetzungen)

There are many compound words with 'Bar':

• Meaning 'establishment': Hotelbar (hotel bar), Snackbar (snack bar), Milchbar (milk bar, often retro), Cocktailbar (cocktail bar), Kellerbar (basement bar)
• Meaning 'counter': Bartheke (bar counter), Barhocker (bar stool)
• Meaning 'pressure unit': Millibar (millibar, often in weather reports)