German word

trinken

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtʁɪŋkən/

Meaning

  • verbdrink

Example

Wir trinken zusammen Tee.

We drink tea together.

Illustration for trinken (drink)

More examples

Vor dem Training trinke ich genug Wasser.

Before training, I drink enough water.

Core concept

Liquid passes from a container through the mouth, while the same action can also refer to consuming alcohol in a social setting.

Common phrases

  • vor dem Sport Wasser trinken

    drink water before training

  • einen Schluck trinken

    take a sip

  • beim Abendessen Wein trinken

    drink wine at dinner

Similar words

anstoßen: Clinking glasses together to celebrate or make a toast.
kosten: Sampling a small amount of a drink to check its flavor.
nippen: Sipping small amounts of a drink slowly to enjoy its flavor.

Definition in German

Mit dem Mund Flüssigkeiten aufnehmen; auch im Sinne von alkoholische Getränke konsumieren.

Word origin

Trinken is an inherited Germanic verb related to English drink, rather than a later borrowing from another language.

Usage tips

  • In "Wir trinken auf dein Wohl," auf plus accusative names the person or cause being toasted, not the beverage consumed.

Related words

  • das Getränkbeveragenoun
  • die Trinkmengeamount drunknoun

Word lists with this word