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der Cocktail
cocktail
An alcoholic mixed drink made from several ingredients, usually spirits, juices, and syrups.
example
Zum Empfang gab es Champagner und verschiedene Cocktails.
At the reception, there was champagne and various cocktails.
der Cocktail
cocktail
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
You can tell whether a drink or a dish is meant from the verb or the context. Drinks are 'gemischt' (mixed) or 'getrunken' (drunk), while dishes like the 'Krabbencocktail' (shrimp cocktail) are 'gegessen' (eaten) or served 'als Vorspeise' (as an appetizer).
EXAMPLE
An der Bar mixte der Barkeeper einen bunten Cocktail.
At the bar, the bartender mixed a colorful cocktail.
Typical verbs
When 'Cocktail' refers to a drink, it is often combined with the verbs 'mixen' (to mix), 'zubereiten' (to prepare), 'shaken' (to shake), 'bestellen' (to order), or 'trinken' (to drink).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe an der Bar einen alkoholfreien Cocktail bestellt.
I ordered a non-alcoholic cocktail at the bar.
Typical compounds
In the meaning of 'Vorspeise' (appetizer), 'Cocktail' is often part of a compound noun. Typical examples are 'der Krabbencocktail' (shrimp cocktail), 'der Garnelencocktail' (shrimp cocktail), or 'der Obstcocktail' (fruit cocktail).
EXAMPLE
Der Krabbencocktail war sehr frisch und lecker.
The shrimp cocktail was very fresh and tasty.
Compare with
Cocktail vs Salat
salad
'der Salat' and 'der Cocktail' can both refer to a cold dish with several small ingredients. With 'Salat', people usually think of vegetables, leaves, herbs, and dressing. It can be a side dish or a dish in its own right. In this sense, 'Cocktail' does not mean a mixed drink, but a cold appetizer, often with seafood, fruit, or vegetables in a sauce, for example 'ein Krabbencocktail' (a shrimp cocktail). Learners may confuse the words because both can be mixed cold dishes. In a restaurant, 'Salat' is the normal choice for a vegetable dish; 'Cocktail' sounds more specific and is usually understood as an appetizer.
Cocktail
Als Vorspeise bestellte sie einen kleinen Cocktail mit Krabben und Sauce.
As an appetizer, she ordered a small cocktail with shrimp and sauce.
Salat
Zum Abendessen macht Tom einen Salat mit Tomaten, Gurken und Feta.
For dinner, Tom makes a salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta.
In real life
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