01
der Spritzer
splash / splatter
A small amount of liquid that is spread by quick pressure or impact.
example
Ich habe ein paar Farbspritzer auf meiner Hose.
I have a few paint splatters on my pants.
der Spritzer
splash / spritzer
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Spritzer' (splash/spritzer) is derived directly from the verb 'spritzen' (to spray/splash). It describes the result of this action: a small amount of liquid that has been sprayed or splashed somewhere.
EXAMPLE
Beim Öffnen der Flasche gab es einen lauten Knall und einen Spritzer Sekt.
When the bottle was opened, there was a loud pop and a splash of sparkling wine.
Regional usage
In the sense of a mixed drink made from wine and mineral water, 'der Spritzer' (spritzer) is mainly used in Austria. There, it is a very popular everyday drink.
EXAMPLE
Im Heurigen bestellte sie einen weißen Spritzer.
At the wine tavern, she ordered a white spritzer.
Context clue
In this meaning, 'Spritzer' (splash/splatter) often describes a small, unwanted amount of liquid caused by an accident or a careless movement. Typical examples are paint splatters on clothing or mud splashes on a car.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Streichen hatte er überall kleine weiße Spritzer im Haar.
After painting, he had small white splatters all over his hair.
Typical collocations
When it comes to refining foods or drinks, 'Spritzer' (splash/dash) is almost always used in the fixed phrase 'ein Spritzer [Zutat]' (a splash/dash of [ingredient]). Common ingredients are lemon, lime, vinegar, or even an alcoholic drink.
EXAMPLE
Gib einen Spritzer Essig in den Salat, das rundet den Geschmack ab.
Add a splash of vinegar to the salad; it rounds out the flavor.
Compare with
Spritzer vs Schuss
shot
'Schuss' and 'Spritzer' can both mean a small amount of liquid. 'Ein Schuss' is a small amount that you intentionally add to something, often when cooking or in drinks. 'Ein Spritzer' can also be a small amount used as an ingredient, for example lemon juice. But it can also mean a small amount of liquid that lands somewhere because of pressure or impact, such as a splash of water on clothing. The words are easy to confuse because both are used with liquids. For an intentionally added amount, both are sometimes possible; for stains or splashed liquid, 'Spritzer' fits better.
Spritzer
Beim Abwaschen bekam Tom einen Spritzer Wasser auf die Brille.
While washing the dishes, Tom got a splash of water on his glasses.
Schuss
Mein Nachbar gibt einen Schuss Essig in den Salat.
My neighbor adds a dash of vinegar to the salad.
In real life
Loading video examples...