German · Food & Drink
"Water" in German: Wasser
das Wasser
Water in German is das Wasser, a neuter noun. In restaurants you usually choose stilles Wasser or Wasser mit Sprudel. Tap water is Leitungswasser, and asking for it is normal though not automatic everywhere.
In a restaurant
Ein Wasser mit Sprudel, bitte.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce Wasser
Say it
VAS-er
/ˈvasɐ/
VAS-er. The W is like English v. The a is short, as in "father" but quicker. Stress the first syllable.
"Water" in German: quick reference
| German | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| das Wasser | water The general word for water. | The general word for water. |
| stilles Wasser | still water Non-sparkling bottled water. | Non-sparkling bottled water. |
| Wasser mit Sprudel / Sprudelwasser | sparkling water Carbonated water; very common in restaurants. | Carbonated water; very common in restaurants. |
| Leitungswasser | tap water Water from the tap; safe to drink in Germany. | Water from the tap; safe to drink in Germany. |
| Mineralwasser | mineral water Bottled water, still or sparkling. | Bottled water, still or sparkling. |
How to use Wasser in real life
- 1In a restaurant
Ein Wasser mit Sprudel, bitte.
A sparkling water, please.
Short and clear. Staff also understand ein Sprudel.
- 2At home
Kannst du mir ein Glas Wasser geben?
Can you give me a glass of water?
Glas Wasser has no article between the two nouns.
- 3On a hike
Hast du noch Wasser dabei?
Do you still have water with you?
Dabei means with you / on you in this sense.
Mistakes English speakers make with Wasser
Incorrect: der Wasser
Correct: das Wasser
Wasser is neuter. Remember das Wasser, not der.
Incorrect: Ein Wasser ohne Gas. (in Germany)
Correct: Ein stilles Wasser, bitte.
Germans say still or ohne Sprudel. Ohne Gas is more Italian or tourist phrasing.
Good to know
Sparkling water is extremely popular in German-speaking countries. At many tables, Mineralwasser mit Sprudel appears by default unless you ask for still. Tap water is high quality; some restaurants still prefer to sell bottles, so a polite Leitungswasser, bitte helps.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Ordering drinks at a Biergarten
ChatPal
Was trinkst du? Bier oder Wasser?
What are you drinking? Beer or water?
You
Wasser, bitte. Aber stilles Wasser.
Water, please. But still water.
ChatPal
Alles klar. Ein stilles Wasser und ein Radler für mich.
Got it. One still water and a shandy for me.
You
Danke! Ich brauche echt etwas Wasser.
Thanks! I really need some water.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Water" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Water" in German
How do you order still water in German?
Say ein stilles Wasser, bitte or Wasser ohne Sprudel. Both are understood in restaurants.
Is tap water safe in Germany?
Yes. Leitungswasser is generally safe to drink. Asking for it in a restaurant is fine; some places still prefer bottled water.
What does Sprudel mean?
Bubbles. Wasser mit Sprudel is sparkling water. Sprudel alone can mean a sparkling drink.
Is Wasser countable?
Usually not as a substance. But in cafés ein Wasser means one bottle or glass of water.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
