Etymology Map
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Kirsch

2 stages from German to English.

Today it means a brandy distilled from cherries

Where does the word "kirsch" come from? It comes from German Kirschwasser, adopted directly into English (1810s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
Kirschwasser
German · 1700s
"cherry brandy"
'cherry water', a speciality of the Black Forest
2
Stage 2 of 2
kirsch
English · 1810s
"cherry brandy"
shortened from 'kirschwasser'
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Read the full story

Kirsch’s story begins in German: Kirschwasser meant “cherry brandy.” 'cherry water', a speciality of the Black Forest. It reached English by 1810s as kirsch. Shortened from 'kirschwasser'. Today, kirsch means a brandy distilled from cherries.