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German Phrase

Ich nehme ein Glas Wasser.

/ɪç ˈneːmə aɪn ɡlaːs ˈvasɐ/
Meaning"I’ll have a glass of water."
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Meaning

Literally, ‘I take a glass of water.’ In everyday speech it is used to order or request a glass of water, especially in cafés or restaurants.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you want to ask for water in a dining setting, or when you simply state that you are taking a glass of water for yourself. It is a polite, neutral way to place the order.

✦Grammar Breakdown

IchnehmeeinGlasWasser.

1

Personalpronomen (Ich)

Subject pronoun for the first person singular; always capitalised in German.

2

Verb nehmen (Präsens)

Regular verb; conjugates to 'nehme' with ich. Means ‘to take, to have (in a restaurant)’.

3

Unbestimmter Artikel (ein)

Used with neuter nouns in the accusative case; here it modifies 'Glas'.

4

Neutrum Nomen (Glas)

‘Glas’ is neuter; its accusative form is identical to the nominative.

5

Wasser (unveränderlich)

‘Wasser’ is a mass noun, but when counted it takes a container noun like ‘Glas’.

🗨In Conversation

A

Möchten Sie etwas zu trinken?

Would you like something to drink?

Ja, ich nehme ein Glas Wasser.

Yes, I’ll have a glass of water.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich trinke ein Glas Wasser.

    ‘trinke’ means ‘I drink’; it does not convey the act of ordering a glass.

  • Ich nehme ein Wasser.

    ‘Wasser’ is a mass noun; you need a container noun like ‘Glas’ to count it.

  • Ich nehme ein Glas wasser.

    All nouns in German are capitalised.

  • Ich nimmt ein Glas Wasser.

    ‘nimmt’ is the third‑person singular form; with ‘ich’ you must use ‘nehme’.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich hätte gern ein Glas Wasser.

    I would like a glass of water.

  • Ich möchte ein Glas Wasser.

    I would like a glass of water.

  • Kann ich ein Glas Wasser haben?

    Can I have a glass of water?

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Cultural Tip

In German‑speaking countries it is common to use ‘nehmen’ when ordering food or drinks, but many people prefer the more courteous ‘ich hätte gern …’ or ‘ich möchte …’. Remember that water is usually served in a glass (Glas) rather than a bottle unless you specifically ask for ‘eine Flasche Wasser’. Also, nouns are always capitalised, so ‘Wasser’ must start with a capital W.