In German

Eis

Meaning: ice

Example sentences

  • DasEisaufdemSeeistdünn.

    The ice on the lake is thin.

  • ImWintergibtesvielEis.

    In winter there's a lot of ice.

  • Passauf,dieStraßeistvollerEis.

    Be careful, the street is covered in ice.

Grammar note

“Das Eis” is neuter and has no plural. It's the same word as the one used for ice cream — context (or “Speiseeis” for the dessert) tells you which one is meant.

Common mistake

This isn't a false friend, but a true overlap worth knowing: “Eis” on its own can mean either frozen water or ice cream. If you want to be clear you mean the dessert, say “Speiseeis” or “ein Eis” for a single scoop/cone.

Quick check

Which German word means “ice”?

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Frequently asked questions

Is “Eis” masculine, feminine or neuter?

Neuter: “das Eis”.

Does “Eis” also mean ice cream?

Yes — the same word covers both; “Speiseeis” makes the dessert sense explicit.