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German Phrase

Ich trink' ein Glas Wasser.

/ɪç tʁɪŋk aɪn ɡlaːs ˈvasɐ/
Meaning"I'm drinking a glass of water."
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Meaning

This phrase expresses the action of drinking a single glass of water. The apostrophe in 'trink'' indicates a colloquial shortening of 'trinke', which is very common in spoken German. It is a simple, direct statement of a current or habitual action.

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When to use

Use this when someone asks what you are doing or what you would like to have. It's perfect for casual settings like at home, in a restaurant, or at a friend's place.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Ichtrink'einGlasWasser

1

Ich trink'

The verb 'trinken' is conjugated for the first person singular. The apostrophe replaces the 'e' for a more natural, spoken flow in casual conversation.

2

ein Glas Wasser

This is a measure phrase. Unlike English, you do not use a preposition like 'of' between the container (Glas) and the substance (Wasser).

🗨In Conversation

A

Was machst du gerade?

What are you doing right now?

Ich trink' ein Glas Wasser.

I'm drinking a glass of water.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich trinke ein Glas von Wasser.

    In German, quantities like 'ein Glas' are followed directly by the noun without 'von'.

  • Ich trinke eine Glas Wasser.

    'Glas' is a neuter noun, so the indefinite article must be 'ein', not the feminine 'eine'.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich möchte ein Glas Wasser.

    I would like a glass of water.

  • Ein Glas Wasser, bitte.

    A glass of water, please.

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Cultural Tip

In Germany, tap water is of very high quality and safe to drink, but in restaurants, people usually order bottled sparkling or still water. If you want tap water, you specifically ask for 'Leitungswasser', though some establishments may still charge a small service fee.