Stöffche

Stöffche is a regional German term for soft drinks, particularly carbonated beverages. It is used mainly in northern and eastern Germany, in dialect areas such as Schleswig-Holstein and parts of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The word can refer to commercially produced fizzy drinks as well as beverages made at home or in local small-scale production.

The origin of the term is not definitively documented. It is commonly linked to a regional or dialect word such as Stöff or Stoff, meaning material or stuff, reflecting the idea of a drink created by mixing water with flavorings. In everyday speech, Stöffche may denote any fizzy, non-alcoholic refreshment, though its exact meaning can vary by locality.

In contemporary use, Stöffche encompasses a wide range of beverages. Commercial examples include lemon and orange sodas, cola, berry-flavored drinks, and other flavored carbonated beverages. In traditional or home-made contexts, Stöffche can be a mixture of water, fruit juice or concentrates, and sugar, sometimes with added carbonation. Historically, the term also described non-alcoholic drinks served in taverns and inns.

Culturally, Stöffche reflects regional beverage practices in parts of Germany and is associated with rural and urban everyday life as an affordable alternative to beer or wine. While it remains understood in its core regions, the term is less common outside its dialect areas and is often encountered as a linguistic relic or in regional culinary contexts.