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A2 noun #1,500 am häufigsten 7 Min. Lesezeit

alcool

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Erklärung alcool in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'alcool' is a basic vocabulary word used to describe drinks. Learners should know that it is masculine ('un alcool') and how to say they don't drink it ('Je ne bois pas d'alcool'). It is primarily associated with lists of beverages in a restaurant or supermarket context. The focus is on simple identification and basic social preferences. You might learn it alongside 'eau', 'jus', and 'vin'. The goal is to be able to answer 'Tu bois de l'alcool ?' with a simple 'Oui' or 'Non'.

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At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'alcool' in more varied contexts, such as health and simple rules. You will learn to use the partitive article correctly ('de l'alcool') and understand that 'alcool' can also mean rubbing alcohol found in a pharmacy. You should be able to describe a drink's composition, like 'Ce cocktail est sans alcool'. You also start to encounter the word in warnings or simple news items about road safety. The distinction between 'alcool' (the substance) and specific drinks (bière, vin) becomes clearer.

At the B1 level, you can discuss the social role of alcohol in France. You might talk about 'l'alcoolisme' as a social issue or discuss the 'culture de l'alcool' in different countries. You understand more complex grammatical structures, such as 'Il est interdit de vendre de l'alcool aux mineurs'. You can also use the word in the context of cooking recipes (flamber à l'alcool) and understand the nuances of 'alcool fort' versus 'vin'. You are comfortable using the word in professional contexts, like discussing a 'cocktail sans alcool' for a business event.

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At the B2 level, you can engage in debates about alcohol regulations, such as the 'Loi Évin' which restricts alcohol advertising in France. You understand the scientific and technical uses of the word, including its role in chemistry and industry. You can use idiomatic expressions or more formal terms like 'spiritueux' and 'degré d'alcoolémie'. You can read articles about the economic impact of alcohol exports (like Cognac) and understand the subtle social cues associated with serving 'un petit alcool' at the end of a meal. Your vocabulary includes related terms like 'sobriété' and 'tempérance'.

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At the C1 level, you appreciate the literary and historical depth of the word. You might study Guillaume Apollinaire's 'Alcools' and discuss the symbolism of alcohol as a metaphor for modern life's intensity. You can navigate complex legal texts regarding alcohol production and taxation. You understand the regional nuances of alcohol production in France, from the 'terroir' of brandies to the cultural significance of 'l'apéro'. You can express subtle opinions on the ethics of alcohol marketing and its impact on public health with high linguistic precision.

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'alcool' in all its dimensions. You can participate in high-level academic or philosophical discussions about the role of intoxicants in human history. You understand the most obscure puns, historical slang, and archaic uses of the word. You can write sophisticated essays on the duality of alcohol as both a 'social lubricant' and a 'social poison'. You are familiar with the chemistry of distillation at a professional level and can discuss the organoleptic properties of various 'alcools' with the vocabulary of a connoisseur.

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alcool in 30 Sekunden

Alcool is a masculine French noun meaning alcohol, used for both beverages and the chemical substance ethanol in medical or industrial contexts.
It requires elision with articles (l'alcool, de l'alcool) and is always masculine, regardless of the specific type of drink it refers to.
Culturally, it is central to French gastronomy but is strictly regulated by laws regarding age, advertising, and driving safety limits.
Commonly confused with 'spiritueux' (formal) or 'vin' (specific), it serves as the umbrella term for all drinks containing ethanol.

The word alcool in French is a versatile noun that primarily refers to the chemical substance ethanol, but more commonly to beverages containing it. In a linguistic sense, it is a masculine noun (un alcool, l'alcool) that encompasses everything from the pure chemical used in medicine to the sophisticated spirits served in a Parisian café. Understanding 'alcool' requires navigating its dual identity: a scientific necessity and a social cornerstone of French culture.

Chemical Definition: In chemistry, it refers to any organic compound in which the hydroxyl functional group is bound to a saturated carbon atom. However, in everyday speech, it specifically means ethanol (C2H5OH).
Social Definition: It serves as a collective term for alcoholic drinks, often distinguishing 'hard' spirits from wine or beer in specific contexts, though technically including all.

L'abus d' alcool est dangereux pour la santé, à consommer avec modération.

Historically, the word entered French from the Arabic 'al-kuhl', originally referring to a fine powder (kohl) used as eyeliner, later evolving through alchemy to mean the 'essence' or 'spirit' of a substance obtained via distillation. This evolution mirrors the French obsession with distillation and the refinement of spirits like Cognac or Armagnac. When a French person speaks of 'les alcools', they are often referring to the category of strong spirits rather than fermented drinks like cider.

Il a acheté une bouteille d'alcool à 90 degrés à la pharmacie.

The Medical Context: Used for disinfection (alcool à brûler, alcool dénaturé). This is a common sight in French households for cleaning wounds.

Cette boisson contient 12% d'alcool.

Il ne supporte pas l'alcool fort.

The Gastronomic Context: Alcohol is used in cooking (flambage) and as a digestif after a heavy meal to aid digestion.

Le chef a ajouté un peu d'alcool pour flamber les crêpes.

Using alcool correctly involves mastering French articles and prepositions. Because it starts with a vowel, the definite article 'le' elides to 'l'', and the partitive 'du' becomes 'de l''. This is a common stumbling block for A2 learners who might forget the apostrophe.

Grammatical Gender: Always masculine. Example: 'Un alcool fort' (A strong spirit). Even when referring to a variety of drinks, it remains masculine: 'Les alcools blancs'.

Est-ce qu'il y a de l'alcool dans ce cocktail ?

In social settings, you will often use 'alcool' to describe the content of a drink or the category of the drink itself. If you are at a party, you might ask 'Tu bois de l'alcool ?' (Do you drink alcohol?). If you are describing a person's habits, you might say 'Il a un problème avec l'alcool', which is a polite way to discuss alcoholism. The word is also central to French law, specifically regarding 'le taux d'alcoolémie' (blood alcohol level) when driving.

Quantity Expressions: 'Beaucoup d'alcool', 'Peu d'alcool', 'Pas d'alcool'. Note that 'de' remains 'd'' before the vowel.

Je ne bois pas d'alcool pendant la semaine.

Le taux d'alcool dans le sang est limité à 0,5 g/l.

Compound Nouns: Alcool à 90 (rubbing alcohol), Alcool de menthe (mint spirit), Alcool de riz (rice wine/spirit).

Il préfère les alcools distillés aux boissons fermentées.

Il faut désinfecter la plaie avec de l'alcool.

You will encounter the word alcool in diverse environments, from the sterile aisles of a 'pharmacie' to the vibrant atmosphere of a 'terrasse'. In France, the word is ubiquitous because of the country's deep-rooted relationship with viticulture and spirits production.

At the Supermarket: Signs will point to the 'Rayon Alcools' (Alcohol Aisle), where spirits like Vodka, Whisky, and Pastis are kept separately from wine and beer in larger stores.

Où se trouve le rayon des alcools forts ?

In the media, 'alcool' is frequently mentioned in public health campaigns. The phrase 'L'alcool, c'est pas automatique' or warnings about 'binge drinking' (often used as a loanword or translated as 'beuverie express') are common. On the radio, you might hear reports about 'la vente d'alcool aux mineurs' (sale of alcohol to minors) or 'la lutte contre l'alcoolisme'.

In Medical Settings: A nurse might say, 'Ça va piquer un peu, c'est l'alcool' before cleaning a site for an injection.

L'infirmière a passé un coton imbibé d'alcool.

La publicité pour l'alcool est très réglementée en France par la loi Évin.

In Social Conversations: Friends might ask, 'Tu as prévu de l'alcool pour la soirée ?' (Did you get alcohol for the party?).

Il ne faut pas mélanger les différents alcools.

Ce parfum contient une base d'alcool.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with alcool is its pronunciation. The 'oo' is not a long 'u' sound as in English 'pool'. Instead, both 'o's are often pronounced, or it sounds like a slightly elongated 'o'. The 'l' at the end must be crisp.

The Gender Error: Many learners assume it is feminine because it ends in a consonant that sounds soft, but it is strictly masculine. Saying 'la alcool' is a major error; it must be 'l'alcool'.

Faux : La alcool est cher. Vrai : L'alcool est cher.

Another mistake is using 'alcool' when you specifically mean 'wine'. In English, 'alcohol' is a broad term, but in France, wine is often considered its own category in cultural practice. If you are invited to dinner and bring wine, don't say 'J'ai apporté de l'alcool' unless you brought a bottle of Gin or Whisky; say 'J'ai apporté du vin'.

Partitive Article Confusion: Remember that 'un alcool' refers to a type of alcohol, while 'de l'alcool' refers to the substance. 'Il boit un alcool' means he is drinking a specific type of spirit.

Il ne faut pas dire 'Je bois le alcool' mais 'Je bois de l'alcool'.

Attention à l'orthographe : deux 'o', pas un seul.

The 'Spirit' False Friend: In English, we say 'spirits'. In French, 'esprit' means mind or ghost. Never use 'esprits' for alcoholic drinks; use 'alcools' or 'spiritueux'.

Le bar propose une large sélection d'alcools.

Cette bière sans alcool est très bonne.

While alcool is the general term, French has a rich vocabulary for specific types of drinks and the state of being under the influence. Distinguishing between these helps you sound more natural and precise.

Alcool vs. Spiritueux: 'Alcool' is common and general. 'Spiritueux' is the technical and commercial term for distilled beverages with high alcohol content (Whisky, Gin, Rum).
Alcool vs. Boisson Alcoolisée: 'Boisson alcoolisée' is the formal term used in regulations and menus to include beer, wine, and spirits.

Le cognac est un alcool de prestige.

In the context of wine, you might hear 'degré' or 'titre alcoométrique'. While 'alcool' describes the substance, 'degré' describes the strength. For example, 'Ce vin a 13 degrés d'alcool'. In slang, you might hear 'la tise' or 'le sky' (for whisky), but 'alcool' remains the safe, standard choice for all situations.

Eau-de-vie: Literally 'water of life'. This refers to clear, potent fruit brandies (like Calvados or Kirsch).

Il boit un petit verre d'eau-de-vie, un alcool très fort.

La différence entre le vin et l'alcool est importante en France.

Digestif: An alcoholic drink served after a meal, often a strong 'alcool' like Armagnac.

Voulez-vous un alcool pour finir le repas ?

Le cidre est une boisson avec peu d'alcool.

How Formal Is It?

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Partitive articles (du, de la, de l')

Elision with 'l''

Negative 'pas de'

Adjectives of quantity

Gender of nouns ending in -ol

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Beispiele nach Niveau

Je ne bois pas d'alcool.

I do not drink alcohol.

Use 'd'' because 'alcool' starts with a vowel.

Tu aimes l'alcool ?

Do you like alcohol?

Definite article 'l'' for general preference.

Il y a de l'alcool ici ?

Is there alcohol here?

Partitive article 'de l'' for unspecified quantity.

C'est un alcool fort.

It is a strong alcohol.

Masculine noun 'un'.

Le vin est un alcool.

Wine is an alcohol.

Simple classification.

Pas d'alcool pour moi, merci.

No alcohol for me, thank you.

Negative construction 'pas de'.

Où est l'alcool ?

Where is the alcohol?

Definite article.

L'alcool est sur la table.

The alcohol is on the table.

Subject of the sentence.

Ce cocktail est sans alcool.

This cocktail is alcohol-free.

'Sans' is followed directly by the noun.

Il faut de l'alcool pour nettoyer la plaie.

You need alcohol to clean the wound.

Medical context.

L'alcool est interdit aux mineurs.

Alcohol is forbidden for minors.

Passive/General rule.

Elle achète de l'alcool au supermarché.

She buys alcohol at the supermarket.

Action verb with partitive.

Attention, il y a beaucoup d'alcool dans ce gâteau.

Careful, there is a lot of alcohol in this cake.

Adverb of quantity 'beaucoup de'.

Je préfère les boissons sans alcool.

I prefer non-alcoholic drinks.

Plural 'boissons' with 'sans alcool'.

L'alcool ne résout pas les problèmes.

Alcohol doesn't solve problems.

Abstract usage.

Il a mis trop d'alcool dans mon verre.

He put too much alcohol in my glass.

Quantity 'trop de'.

La consommation d'alcool a baissé cette année.

Alcohol consumption has decreased this year.

Noun complement 'de'.

Il est important de consommer l'alcool avec modération.

It is important to consume alcohol with moderation.

Formal advice.

Le chef utilise l'alcool pour flamber la viande.

The chef uses alcohol to flambé the meat.

Culinary use.

C'est un alcool artisanal fait dans la région.

It is a craft alcohol made in the region.

Adjective 'artisanal'.

Il ne supporte pas bien l'alcool fort.

He doesn't handle hard liquor well.

Verb 'supporter'.

On trouve de l'alcool de menthe en pharmacie.

One finds mint alcohol in pharmacies.

Specific type of alcohol.

L'alcool peut interagir avec certains médicaments.

Alcohol can interact with certain medications.

Medical warning.

Ils ont discuté autour d'un verre d'alcool.

They talked over a glass of alcohol.

Social idiom.

Le taux d'alcoolémie autorisé est très bas.

The authorized blood alcohol level is very low.

Technical term 'alcoolémie'.

La publicité pour l'alcool est strictement encadrée.

Advertising for alcohol is strictly regulated.

Legal context.

L'alcool est un produit soumis à des taxes élevées.

Alcohol is a product subject to high taxes.

Economic context.

Il a arrêté l'alcool pour des raisons de santé.

He stopped drinking alcohol for health reasons.

Definite article for the habit.

Certains alcools se bonifient avec le temps.

Certain alcohols improve with time.

Plural 'alcools' for varieties.

L'alcool dénaturé n'est pas propre à la consommation.

Denatured alcohol is not fit for consumption.

Industrial term.

Elle a une grande connaissance des alcools fins.

She has a great knowledge of fine spirits.

Adjective 'fins'.

Le mélange d'alcool et de boissons énergisantes est dangereux.

Mixing alcohol and energy drinks is dangerous.

Health warning.

L'alcool agit comme un catalyseur social dans cette culture.

Alcohol acts as a social catalyst in this culture.

Metaphorical usage.

L'œuvre d'Apollinaire, 'Alcools', a marqué la poésie moderne.

Apollinaire's work, 'Alcools', marked modern poetry.

Literary reference.

La distillation de l'alcool est un processus complexe.

The distillation of alcohol is a complex process.

Technical noun 'distillation'.

Il existe une corrélation entre le prix de l'alcool et sa consommation.

There is a correlation between the price of alcohol and its consumption.

Academic tone.

L'alcool est souvent utilisé comme solvant en chimie organique.

Alcohol is often used as a solvent in organic chemistry.

Scientific context.

La dépendance à l'alcool nécessite un suivi médical rigoureux.

Alcohol dependency requires rigorous medical monitoring.

Formal medical term.

Le lobby de l'alcool exerce une influence sur les politiques publiques.

The alcohol lobby exerts influence on public policies.

Political context.

Les alcools de terroir reflètent l'identité d'une région.

Regional spirits reflect the identity of a region.

Cultural nuance.

L'alcool, ce 'poison délicieux', a inspiré maints poètes maudits.

Alcohol, that 'delicious poison', has inspired many 'cursed poets'.

Literary metaphor.

L'ambivalence de la société face à l'alcool est manifeste.

Society's ambivalence toward alcohol is manifest.

Sociological analysis.

La déshydrogénation de l'alcool est une réaction chimique clé.

The dehydrogenation of alcohol is a key chemical reaction.

Advanced chemistry.

On ne saurait occulter les ravages de l'alcool sur le tissu social.

One cannot ignore the ravages of alcohol on the social fabric.

High-level rhetoric.

L'alcool s'immisce dans les interstices de la vie quotidienne.

Alcohol creeps into the gaps of daily life.

Sophisticated verb 's'immiscer'.

La phénoménologie de l'ivresse liée à l'alcool est un sujet vaste.

The phenomenology of drunkenness related to alcohol is a vast subject.

Philosophical terminology.

L'alcool est le vecteur d'une tradition séculaire de convivialité.

Alcohol is the vector of a centuries-old tradition of conviviality.

Historical/Formal tone.

L'hégémonie de l'alcool dans les rituels de célébration est incontestable.

The hegemony of alcohol in celebration rituals is incontestable.

Advanced vocabulary.

Häufige Kollokationen

alcool fort

taux d'alcool

consommation d'alcool

abus d'alcool

sans alcool

alcool à brûler

alcool dénaturé

dépendance à l'alcool

vendre de l'alcool

servir de l'alcool

Häufige Phrasen

L'abus d'alcool est dangereux.

Cocktail sans alcool.

Boire de l'alcool.

Tenir l'alcool.

Sous l'emprise de l'alcool.

Un petit verre d'alcool.

Le rayon alcool.

Interdit de vendre de l'alcool.

Alcool de riz.

Alcool de menthe.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

alcool vs esprit

alcool vs vin

alcool vs liqueur

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Noyer son chagrin dans l'alcool"

"Tenir l'alcool"

"Brûler l'alcool"

"Être porté sur l'alcool"

"L'alcool rend fou"

"Un alcool de derrière les fagots"

"L'alcool triste"

"L'alcool joyeux"

"Vivre d'amour et d'eau fraîche (antonymic context)"

"Mettre de l'eau dans son vin (related)"

Leicht verwechselbar

alcool vs

Satzmuster

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So verwendest du es

medical

Used for 'alcool à 70' or 'alcool à 90'.

culinary

Used for 'flamber' or 'macérer'.

Häufige Fehler

Using 'la alcool' (it is masculine).
Spelling it 'alcol' (needs two 'o's).
Saying 'le alcool' (needs elision: l'alcool).
Using 'esprits' for alcoholic drinks (use 'alcools').
Assuming 'alcool' only means drinks (it also means medical alcohol).

Tipps

Elision is Key

Always remember to use 'l'alcool' instead of 'le alcool'. Because 'alcool' starts with a vowel, the 'e' in 'le' is dropped. This applies to the partitive 'de l'alcool' as well. It makes the speech flow better and is grammatically required.

Wine vs. Alcool

In a French home, if you are asked if you want 'de l'alcool', they are likely offering you a spirit after dinner. If they want to offer you wine during the meal, they will ask 'Tu veux du vin ?'. Distinguishing these shows cultural awareness.

Health Warnings

You will see the phrase 'L'abus d'alcool est dangereux pour la santé' everywhere in France. It is a mandatory warning on all advertisements. It is good to recognize this phrase as it appears on bottles, posters, and TV ads.

Types of Alcool

Learn the difference between 'alcool à brûler' (cleaning) and 'alcool de bouche' (drinking). Using the wrong one in a sentence could be confusing or even sound dangerous. 'Alcool de bouche' is a technical term for potable alcohol.

Ordering Mocktails

If you want a non-alcoholic drink, ask for a 'cocktail sans alcool' or a 'virgin cocktail'. The French are becoming very fond of 'le sans alcool' (the alcohol-free movement), so you will find many options in modern bars.

The Double O

Don't forget the second 'o'. It's 'a-l-c-o-o-l'. Many learners write 'alcol' because of the pronunciation, but the double 'o' is essential for correct spelling. It reflects the word's historical journey from Arabic through Latin.

The Final L

Make sure your 'l' is audible. In some French words, final consonants are silent, but not in 'alcool'. It should sound like the English word 'alcohol' but without the 'h' and with a different 'o' sound.

Medical Alcohol

In a pharmacy, 'alcool' usually means the antiseptic. If you have a cut, you can ask for 'de l'alcool pour désinfecter'. They will usually give you a bottle of 70% isopropyl or ethyl alcohol.

Tenir l'alcool

Use 'tenir l'alcool' to describe someone's tolerance. It's a very common phrase in social settings. 'Il ne tient pas l'alcool' is a common way to say someone gets drunk very quickly.

Formal Situations

In formal writing or high-end menus, look for the word 'spiritueux'. It is the professional term for 'alcools forts'. Using it can make your French sound more sophisticated in a business or culinary context.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Al-cool: It's NOT cool to drink too much Al-cool.

Wortherkunft

Arabic 'al-kuhl'

Kultureller Kontext

Social ritual before dinner.

After-dinner strong drink.

Law regulating alcohol ads.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"Est-ce que tu bois de l'alcool ?"

"Quel est ton alcool préféré ?"

"Tu préfères les cocktails avec ou sans alcool ?"

"Est-ce qu'il y a beaucoup d'alcool dans ce vin ?"

"Où peut-on acheter de l'alcool ici ?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Décrivez votre boisson préférée (avec ou sans alcool).

Que pensez-vous de la culture de l'alcool dans votre pays ?

Avez-vous déjà utilisé de l'alcool pour cuisiner ?

Racontez une soirée où il n'y avait pas d'alcool.

Pourquoi l'alcool est-il réglementé ?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

It is masculine. You say 'un alcool' or 'l'alcool'. This is a common point of confusion for beginners, but it follows the pattern of many nouns ending in -ol. Always use the masculine agreement for adjectives, such as 'un alcool fort'.

You say 'sans alcool'. This is very common on menus for 'cocktails sans alcool' or 'bière sans alcool'. It is a useful phrase for those who do not drink. Note that 'sans' is followed directly by the noun without an article.

Technically yes, but culturally no. In France, if you say 'Je veux de l'alcool', people think of spirits like Vodka or Gin. If you want wine, say 'Je veux du vin'. Wine is often treated as its own category in French culture and conversation.

It is methylated spirits or denatured alcohol used as fuel or for cleaning. It is not drinkable and is poisonous. You find it in hardware stores or the cleaning section of supermarkets. It is highly flammable and should be handled with care.

In modern French, it's often pronounced as one slightly long 'o' sound (/al.kɔl/). You don't pronounce it like 'pool' in English. The focus should be on the 'al' and the final 'l'. Some regional accents might slightly separate the vowels, but it's rare.

It means 'to hold one's liquor' or to be able to drink a lot without getting drunk. It is a common informal expression. For example, 'Il tient bien l'alcool' means he can drink quite a bit and remain sober-looking.

No, the 'l' at the end of 'alcool' is always pronounced. It is a 'clear l' sound. If you don't pronounce it, the word will not be understood. Practice saying 'al-kol' with a sharp finish on the tongue.

In France, the legal limit is 0.5 grams of alcohol per liter of blood. For young drivers (probationary license), the limit is even lower at 0.2 g/l. This is often discussed in terms of 'le taux d'alcoolémie'.

You buy it at a 'pharmacie'. Ask for 'de l'alcool à 70 degrés' for disinfecting wounds. It is a standard item in every French medicine cabinet. Note that it is often tinted blue or clear.

It refers to 'hard liquor' or spirits with a high percentage of alcohol, usually above 35-40%. This includes drinks like Whisky, Vodka, Rum, and Cognac. It is the opposite of 'boissons fermentées' like beer or wine.

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