In German
kalt
Meaning: cold
Formal or informal? “Kalt” is cold, for temperature. For catching a cold (an illness), German says “eine Erkältung”, a different word.
Example sentences
Draußen ist es sehr kalt.
It is very cold outside.
Das Wasser ist kalt.
The water is cold.
Ein kaltes Getränk, bitte.
A cold drink, please.
Grammar note
Before a noun it takes agreeing endings: “ein kalter Tag” (masculine), “eine kalte Nacht” (feminine), “ein kaltes Getränk” (neuter). The stem is short, so it's pronounced “kalt”.
Common mistake
Don't confuse “kalt” (cold, for weather and food) with “erkältet” (having a cold, as an illness). “Ich bin erkältet” means I have a cold.
Quick check
Which German word means “cold”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
How do you say “I have a cold” in German?
“Ich bin erkältet”.
What is the comparative of “kalt”?
“Kälter” (colder), with an umlaut.