A chemical compound from the group of alcohols, also known as ethyl alcohol or drinking alcohol. It is the main component of alcoholic beverages and is also used as a solvent or disinfectant.
example
Für die Desinfektion der Wunde wird eine Lösung mit 70% Ethanol verwendet.
A solution with 70% ethanol is used to disinfect the wound.
Usage tips
Register and style
'Ethanol' is the scientific technical term. It is used mainly in chemistry, medicine, and technical contexts.
EXAMPLE
Im Labor arbeiten wir mit hochkonzentriertem Ethanol.
In the lab, we work with highly concentrated ethanol.
Word structure
The ending '-ol' is typical for alcohols in chemistry. When you see this ending, you can often infer a chemical substance from this group, as in 'Methanol' (methanol) or 'Propanol' (propanol), for example.
EXAMPLE
Die chemische Formel von Ethanol ist C2H5OH.
The chemical formula of ethanol is C2H5OH.
Typical use
The intended use is often mentioned directly. Typical formulations are: 'Ethanol zur Desinfektion' (ethanol for disinfection), 'Ethanol als Lösungsmittel' (ethanol as a solvent), or 'Ethanol als Biokraftstoff' (ethanol as a biofuel).
EXAMPLE
Ethanol wird in vielen Kosmetikprodukten als Lösungsmittel eingesetzt.
Ethanol is used as a solvent in many cosmetic products.
Compare with
synonym · confusable
Ethanol vs Alkohol
alcohol
'Alkohol' and 'Ethanol' can refer to the same chemical substance. In this sense, ethanol is the precise technical name for the alcohol found in beer, wine, or liquor. However, 'Alkohol' is much more general and is also used in everyday language for alcoholic drinks. 'Ethanol' sounds more like chemistry, medicine, or technology. The words can be confused because both can refer to the same substance. In practice: in everyday life people usually say 'Alkohol'; in a technical context, they are more likely to say 'Ethanol'.
Ethanol
Im Labor prüft die Mitarbeiterin, wie viel Ethanol in der Probe ist.
In the lab, the employee checks how much ethanol is in the sample.
Alkohol
In diesem Desinfektionsmittel ist viel Alkohol enthalten.