01
der Kirsch
kirsch
A clear fruit brandy made by distilling fermented cherries; also called kirschwasser.
example
Ein Schuss Kirsch verfeinert die Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte.
A splash of kirsch enhances Black Forest cherry cake.
der Kirsch
kirsch
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'der Kirsch' (kirsch) is closely related to 'die Kirsche' (the cherry). The different article signals the meaning: 'die Kirsche' (feminine) is the fruit, while 'der Kirsch' (masculine) is the schnapps made from it.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Kirsch wird aus regionalen Kirschen gebrannt.
This kirsch is distilled from regional cherries.
Typical collocations
'Kirsch' is often used in culinary contexts. Typical phrases are 'ein Schuss Kirsch' (a splash of kirsch), 'mit Kirsch verfeinern' (to refine/enhance with kirsch), or 'einen Kirsch trinken' (to drink a kirsch).
EXAMPLE
Er bestellte nach dem Essen einen doppelten Kirsch.
After the meal, he ordered a double kirsch.
Use without an article
As with many spirits, 'Kirsch' is often used without an article when referring to the substance itself or to an indefinite amount, especially after measurements.
EXAMPLE
Für das Fondue brauchen wir noch eine Flasche Kirsch.
For the fondue, we still need a bottle of kirsch.
Compare with
Kirsch vs Schnaps
schnapps
'Schnaps' and 'Kirsch' both belong to strong alcoholic drinks that are often drunk from small glasses. 'Schnaps' is the more general term for various distilled drinks, for example made from fruit or grain. 'Kirsch' is more specific: it is a clear fruit brandy made from cherries and is also called Kirschwasser. So you can understand 'Kirsch' as a specific type of schnapps. The words can be confused if you only mean that it is a strong alcohol. If the type matters, 'Kirsch' fits better; if the exact type does not matter, you are more likely to say 'Schnaps'.
Kirsch
Für das Dessert braucht Lisa etwas Kirsch, damit es nach Kirschen schmeckt.
For the dessert, Lisa needs a little kirsch so that it tastes like cherries.
Schnaps
Nach dem Essen bot der Gastgeber einen kleinen Schnaps an.
After the meal, the host offered a small schnapps.
In real life
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