German word

Schnaps

Pronunciation

IPA/ʃnaps/

Meaning

  • masculine nounliquor

Example

Zum Abschluss trinke ich einen Schnaps.

To finish, I have a shot of liquor.

Illustration for Schnaps (liquor)

More examples

Nach dem Fest bestellten einige Gäste einen hausgemachten Schnaps.

After the festival, some guests ordered homemade liquor.

Core concept

A small neat pour links a fruit or grain distillate with the broader everyday idea of a strong alcoholic drink.

Common phrases

  • hausgemachter Schnaps

    homemade liquor

  • einen Schnaps servieren

    serve liquor

Similar words

Likör: A sweetened alcoholic beverage with added flavors or aromas.
Weinbrand: A barrel-aged spirit distilled from wine.
Korn: A clean-tasting, strong spirit made by distilling grain.
Obstler: A fruit-based spirit, especially one made from apples or pears, often served regionally.

Definition in German

Bezeichnung für eine kurze, hochprozentige Spirituose, besonders einen klaren Obst- oder Kornbrand, die typischerweise in kleinen Mengen pur serviert wird.

Word origin

The word entered German from Low German snaps and is related to schnappen ('to snap'); its meaning developed from a quick drink to distilled spirits generally.

Usage tips

  • English schnapps often means sweet flavored liqueurs, whereas German Schnaps commonly means a clear, unsweetened distilled spirit.

Other meanings

  • fruit brandynoun
  • hard liquornoun

Opposites

  • Softdrinksoft drinknoun

Related words

  • Schnapsbrennereiliquor distillerynoun
  • Schnapsbrennerliquor distillernoun

Word lists with this word