Meaning
Used to express the feeling of thirst.
Cultural Background
Germans love sparkling water. If you say you are durstig, you will likely get water with gas. Tap water is safe but rarely served in restaurants for free. In Austrian coffee houses, a glass of water is always served with coffee. You don't even need to say you are durstig; it's part of the service. Public drinking fountains (Brunnen) are everywhere in Swiss cities. If you are durstig, you can just drink from the street fountains unless marked 'Kein Trinkwasser'. In German-speaking Namibia, expressing thirst is critical due to the arid climate. The word 'Durst' carries a heavier weight in the desert heat.
The 'ig' Rule
In standard German (Hochdeutsch), 'ig' at the end of a word is pronounced like 'ich'. So 'durstig' sounds like 'durst-ich'.
Avoid 'Habe durstig'
This is the most common mistake for English and Spanish speakers. Stick to 'Ich bin durstig'.
Meaning
Used to express the feeling of thirst.
The 'ig' Rule
In standard German (Hochdeutsch), 'ig' at the end of a word is pronounced like 'ich'. So 'durstig' sounds like 'durst-ich'.
Avoid 'Habe durstig'
This is the most common mistake for English and Spanish speakers. Stick to 'Ich bin durstig'.
Ordering Water
If you are durstig in a restaurant, remember that 'Wasser' usually means sparkling. Ask for 'stilles Wasser' if you don't want bubbles.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'sein'.
Ich ___ durstig.
The first person singular of 'sein' is 'bin'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
How do you say 'I am thirsty'?
'Ich bin durstig' uses the correct verb (sein) and adjective (durstig).
Match the German phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are basic physical needs and actions.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Möchtest du eine {die|f} Limo? B: Ja, bitte. Ich ___ ___.
The context of asking for a lemonade implies thirst.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you say 'Ich bin durstig'?
Physical exertion causes thirst.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Adjective vs Noun
Practice Bank
5 exercisesIch ___ durstig.
The first person singular of 'sein' is 'bin'.
How do you say 'I am thirsty'?
'Ich bin durstig' uses the correct verb (sein) and adjective (durstig).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are basic physical needs and actions.
A: Möchtest du eine {die|f} Limo? B: Ja, bitte. Ich ___ ___.
The context of asking for a lemonade implies thirst.
When would you say 'Ich bin durstig'?
Physical exertion causes thirst.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsBoth are correct. 'Ich habe Durst' is slightly more common in casual conversation, but 'Ich bin durstig' is perfectly fine and very clear.
Yes, 'Der Hund ist durstig' is perfectly correct.
Say 'Ich bin nicht durstig' or 'Ich habe keinen Durst'.
No, German does not use this word for the English slang 'thirsty'. Use 'notgeil' (slang/vulgar) or 'sehnsüchtig' (poetic) instead.
Related Phrases
Ich habe Durst
similarI have thirst
Ich bin am Verdursten
specialized formI am dying of thirst
den Durst löschen
builds onto quench the thirst
durstlöschend
builds onthirst-quenching
Ich bin hungrig
contrastI am hungry
satt sein
contrastto be full
