German Phrase
Das Wasser ist kalt.
Meaning
This sentence simply states that the water’s temperature is low. It can refer to tap water, a swimming pool, a river, or any other body of water.
When to use
Use it when you want to comment on the temperature of water you’re about to drink, bathe in, or observe. It’s also handy when a friend asks ‘Wie ist das Wasser?’ (How is the water?).
✦Grammar Breakdown
DasWasseristkalt
Definite article (Das)
‘Das’ is the neuter nominative singular article, used because ‘Wasser’ is a neuter noun.
Noun gender (Wasser)
‘Wasser’ is a neuter noun; its nominative singular form is identical to its base form.
Verb ‘sein’ (ist)
‘ist’ is the 3rd‑person singular present of ‘sein’ (to be) and is used for statements of identity or description.
Predicative adjective (kalt)
When an adjective follows ‘sein’, it stays in its base form without an ending.
🗨In Conversation
Wie ist das Wasser?
How is the water?
Das Wasser ist kalt.
The water is cold.
✕Common Mistakes
Der Wasser ist kalt.
‘Wasser’ is neuter, so the correct article is ‘das’, not ‘der’.
Das Wasser ist Kälte.
‘Kälte’ is a noun meaning ‘coldness’; after ‘sein’ you need the adjective ‘kalt’.
Das Wasser ist kaltet.
Adjectives after ‘sein’ do not take endings; use ‘kalt’, not ‘kaltet’.
↔Alternatives
Das Wasser ist kühl.
The water is cool.
Das Wasser ist eiskalt.
The water is ice‑cold.
Das Wasser ist nicht warm.
The water is not warm.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries people often comment on water temperature when talking about baths, swimming, or even coffee. ‘Kalt’ can also be used figuratively, e.g., ‘eine kalte Reaktion’ (a cold reaction), so the word carries both literal and emotional nuance.