01
der Koks
coke
A colloquial term for the illegal drug cocaine.
example
Die Polizei fand bei der Razzia eine größere Menge Koks.
During the raid, the police found a larger quantity of coke.
der Koks
coke / dough
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Meanings
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Usage tips
False friend
'Koks' is not a soft drink. It refers either to the drug cocaine or to an industrial fuel. The drink is called 'die Cola' in German.
EXAMPLE
Ich hätte gern eine Cola mit Eis, bitte.
I'd like a cola with ice, please.
Context clue
The context makes the meaning clear: in connection with industry, steel, or old stoves, the fuel is meant. In conversations about parties, drug-related crime, or addiction, cocaine is meant.
EXAMPLE
Früher wurde in vielen Häusern mit Koks geheizt.
In the past, many houses were heated with coke.
Uncountable noun
In all meanings, 'Koks' is an uncountable noun (mass noun). It is therefore used almost exclusively in the singular and without numerals.
EXAMPLE
Für die Produktion wird eine große Menge Koks benötigt.
A large amount of coke is needed for production.
Register: colloquial
When 'Koks' means the drug cocaine, it is a colloquial term. In official contexts such as police reports or medical texts, the term 'Kokain' (cocaine) is usually used.
EXAMPLE
In der Partyszene wird oft von Koks gesprochen.
In the party scene, people often talk about coke.
Register: technical language
The meaning 'Brennstoff' (fuel) belongs to the technical language of heavy industry and mining. In everyday language, this term is rarer today because coke is hardly used anymore for heating private homes.
EXAMPLE
Ein Hochofen verbraucht täglich Tonnen von Eisenerz und Koks.
A blast furnace consumes tons of iron ore and coke every day.
Register: outdated
The meaning 'Geld' (money) is very outdated and is hardly understood today. You might find it at most in old films or books set in a particular social milieu.
EXAMPLE
Der Gauner sagte: „Ohne den nötigen Koks läuft hier gar nichts.“
The crook said, 'Without the necessary dough, nothing happens here.'
Compare with
Koks vs Geld
money
'das Geld' and 'der Koks' can both mean money in one specific sense. 'Geld' is the normal, neutral word for a means of payment or financial possessions. 'Koks' in the sense of 'money' belongs to thieves' cant or older colloquial language and sounds very specialized today. Also, 'Koks' much more often has other meanings, for example a drug or a fuel. That is why people almost always use 'Geld' in everyday language. 'Koks' as a word for money is more likely to be understood in old texts, films, or very colloquial scenes.
Koks
In dem alten Krimi fragt der Dieb, wo der Koks versteckt ist.
In the old crime novel, the thief asks where the dough is hidden.
Geld
Beim Einkaufen brauchen wir morgen genug Geld für die Lebensmittel.
When we go shopping tomorrow, we need enough money for the groceries.
In real life
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