01
der Piccolo
small bottle
A small bottle of sparkling wine or champagne, usually containing 0.2 liters.
example
Zum Geburtstag haben wir mit einem Piccolo angestoßen.
For the birthday, we toasted with a small bottle of sparkling wine.
der Piccolo
piccolo / small bottle / bellhop
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Origin of the word
'Piccolo' comes from Italian and means 'small'. This meaning connects all uses of the word: the small bottle of sparkling wine, the small flute, and the 'small' hotel servant or apprentice.
EXAMPLE
Der Name „Piccolo“ deutet immer auf eine kleinere Variante von etwas hin.
The name 'Piccolo' always points to a smaller version of something.
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Piccolo' from the context. If it is about drinks and celebrations, the bottle is meant. In the context of music and orchestra, it is the flute. In old films or books about hotels, it can be the bellhop.
EXAMPLE
Bestellen wir noch einen Piccolo zum Anstoßen?
Shall we order another small bottle for the toast?
Typical collocations
When the small sparkling-wine bottle is meant, 'Piccolo' is often combined with verbs such as 'bestellen' (to order), 'trinken' (to drink), or '(mit einem Piccolo) anstoßen' (to toast with a small bottle).
EXAMPLE
Für eine Person allein reicht ein Piccolo völlig aus.
For one person alone, a small bottle is completely enough.
Register: outdated
The term 'Piccolo' for a hotel bellhop or waiter’s apprentice is very outdated today. You mainly find it in historical contexts, for example in old films or novels.
EXAMPLE
In dem Schwarz-Weiß-Film trug der Piccolo eine schicke Uniform.
In the black-and-white film, the bellhop wore a smart uniform.
Compare with
Piccolo vs Page
bellhop / page
'der Page' and 'der Piccolo' can both refer to a young employee in a hotel or restaurant who performs small services. 'Page' is the more common word today when someone helps guests in a hotel, for example with their luggage. 'Piccolo' is somewhat outdated in this meaning and sounds more like older hotel language or restaurant terminology. The word can also be confusing because 'Piccolo' can also mean a small bottle or an instrument. If the context is clearly a hotel, 'Page' is usually more natural and clearer.
Piccolo
Früher musste der Piccolo im Hotel oft kleine Botengänge erledigen.
In the past, the piccolo at the hotel often had to run small errands.
Page
Der Page brachte die Koffer der Gäste auf ihr Zimmer.
The bellhop brought the guests' suitcases up to their room.
In real life
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