A2 Collocation Neutral 3 Min. Lesezeit

strong coffee

Intense coffee

Use 'strong coffee' when you want a drink that is powerful enough to wake you up immediately.

In 15 Sekunden

  • Refers to coffee with intense flavor or high caffeine content.
  • Commonly used in cafes, homes, and offices to state preference.
  • The opposite of 'weak coffee' which lacks flavor and power.

Bedeutung

This describes coffee with a very bold, powerful flavor or a high amount of caffeine. It is the kind of coffee that wakes you up instantly and tastes very dark.

Wichtige Beispiele

3 von 6
1

Ordering at a cafe

I'll have a large, strong coffee, please.

I'll have a large, strong coffee, please.

🤝
2

Waking up a partner

I made some strong coffee to help you wake up.

I made some strong coffee to help you wake up.

😊
3

In a morning business meeting

Is there any strong coffee left in the breakroom?

Is there any strong coffee left in the breakroom?

💼
🌍

Kultureller Hintergrund

The concept of 'strong coffee' evolved with the rise of espresso culture in the mid-20th century. In many Western offices, the 'coffee break' is a ritual centered around this phrase to boost productivity. It is often associated with the 'hustle culture' of big cities like New York or London.

💡

The 'Spoon' Test

If you want to sound like a local, joke that the coffee is so strong 'the spoon can stand up in it'.

⚠️

Strong vs. Bitter

Sometimes people say 'strong' when they actually mean 'bitter'. Be careful when complaining!

In 15 Sekunden

  • Refers to coffee with intense flavor or high caffeine content.
  • Commonly used in cafes, homes, and offices to state preference.
  • The opposite of 'weak coffee' which lacks flavor and power.

What It Means

Strong coffee is coffee that has a punch. It usually means the flavor is very intense or bitter. Sometimes, it means the drink has a lot of caffeine. It is the opposite of weak coffee, which tastes like water. Think of it as the difference between a whisper and a shout. It is the fuel for people who have a long day ahead.

How To Use It

You can use this phrase to describe what you like. You can also use it to warn someone about a drink. Use it as an adjective before the noun coffee. You might say, "I need some strong coffee today." It works for espresso, black coffee, or even instant coffee. If the spoon can almost stand up in the cup, it is strong!

When To Use It

Use it first thing in the morning when you are sleepy. It is perfect when ordering at a cafe or a restaurant. Use it when talking to a host at their home. It is a great way to describe your personal preference. You can also use it in a professional meeting. It shows you are ready to work and stay focused.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use it to describe the size of the cup. A large cup is not always strong coffee. Do not use it for tea; we usually say strong tea instead. Avoid using it if you are talking about the price. Just because it is expensive does not mean it is strong. If you are at a fancy wine tasting, use different words like bold or full-bodied.

Cultural Background

In many English-speaking cultures, strong coffee is a sign of productivity. In the US, the "drip coffee" is often seen as weak by Europeans. However, the "Seattle style" made dark, strong coffee famous worldwide. In the UK, offering someone a strong coffee is a way of showing care. It is the universal language of the tired office worker. It is more than a drink; it is a survival tool.

Common Variations

You might hear people say a stiff coffee or a kick-start. Some people call it jet fuel if it is extremely strong. You can also say extra strong for more emphasis. In a cafe, you might ask for a double shot. If you want it even stronger, ask for it black. All these variations help you get exactly the energy you need.

Nutzungshinweise

The phrase is a standard collocation. It is safe to use in all social settings, from casual mornings at home to professional environments.

💡

The 'Spoon' Test

If you want to sound like a local, joke that the coffee is so strong 'the spoon can stand up in it'.

⚠️

Strong vs. Bitter

Sometimes people say 'strong' when they actually mean 'bitter'. Be careful when complaining!

💬

The Americano Factor

In the US, 'strong coffee' often refers to the roast level, whereas in Italy, it's all about the pressure of the espresso.

Beispiele

6
#1 Ordering at a cafe
🤝

I'll have a large, strong coffee, please.

I'll have a large, strong coffee, please.

A standard way to ask for more flavor or caffeine.

#2 Waking up a partner
😊

I made some strong coffee to help you wake up.

I made some strong coffee to help you wake up.

Shows care and understanding of their tiredness.

#3 In a morning business meeting
💼

Is there any strong coffee left in the breakroom?

Is there any strong coffee left in the breakroom?

Professional but direct about needing energy.

#4 Texting a friend after a late night
😄

Send help... and very strong coffee. ☕

Send help... and very strong coffee.

Uses hyperbole for a humorous effect.

#5 Complaining about a bad hotel breakfast
💭

I really missed my strong coffee this morning.

I really missed my strong coffee this morning.

Expresses a personal longing or disappointment.

#6 Warning a guest
😊

Be careful, I make my coffee quite strong!

Be careful, I make my coffee quite strong!

A polite warning for someone who might prefer it mild.

Teste dich selbst

Choose the best word to describe coffee that is very dark and powerful.

I didn't sleep well, so I need a ___ coffee.

✓ Richtig! ✗ Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: strong

In English, we use 'strong' to describe the intensity of coffee, not 'heavy' or 'hard'.

Complete the sentence with the correct opposite.

This coffee is too ___; it tastes like colored water!

✓ Richtig! ✗ Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: weak

The natural opposite of 'strong coffee' is 'weak coffee'.

🎉 Ergebnis: /2

Visuelle Lernhilfen

Formality of 'Strong Coffee'

Informal

Used with friends or family.

Got any strong coffee?

Neutral

Standard use in shops and offices.

I'd like a strong coffee.

Formal

Still acceptable, but 'bold' might be used.

Would you prefer strong coffee?

Where to use 'Strong Coffee'

Strong Coffee

At a Cafe

Can I get that extra strong?

💻

At the Office

This strong coffee is saving my life.

🏠

At Home

I'll make some strong coffee for us.

🔥

Camping

Nothing beats strong coffee by the fire.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Not necessarily. It usually refers to the intense flavor, but most people assume it will give them a bigger energy boost.

No, that sounds unnatural. Stick with strong coffee as it is a set collocation in English.

Yes, it is perfectly fine. However, a waiter might use words like bold or intense to describe their blends.

The opposite is weak coffee. It describes coffee that is too diluted or lacks flavor.

It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your best friend without any issues.

You can ask for an extra shot or a dark roast if you want your coffee to be strong.

Yes, you can say strong tea or a strong drink (meaning it has a lot of alcohol).

No, it only refers to the concentration of the coffee, not the temperature.

Not always, but black coffee is often stronger because it doesn't have milk or sugar to soften the taste.

Yes, adding very or extra is a common way to emphasize that you need a lot of caffeine.

Verwandte Redewendungen

Black coffee

Coffee served without any milk or cream.

A cup of Joe

A casual, American slang term for a cup of coffee.

Wake-up call

Something that causes you to become alert (often used metaphorically for coffee).

Double shot

Two servings of espresso in one cup, making it very strong.

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