nichtnüchtern

nichtnüchtern is a German adjective that describes a state of inebriation or intoxication, particularly from alcohol consumption. The term literally translates to "not sober" or "not temperate" and is commonly used in both formal and informal German contexts to indicate that someone has consumed alcohol and is no longer in a sober state.

The word is formed through German negation, combining "nicht" (not) with "nüchtern" (sober/temperate). It functions as both an adjective and adverb in German grammar and can be used to describe varying degrees of intoxication, from mild tipsiness to severe drunkenness.

In legal contexts, nichtnüchtern often appears in discussions about driving under the influence, where German law specifies blood alcohol concentration limits for drivers. The term is also used in medical and psychological discussions about alcohol consumption and its effects on human behavior and cognition.

The concept of nichtnüchtern extends beyond mere alcohol consumption in some cultural contexts, sometimes describing behavior that is uncontrolled or lacking in proper restraint, though this usage is less common than the literal meaning related to alcohol intoxication.

Related German terms include "betrunken" (drunk), "angesäuselt" (tipsy), and "volltrunken" (completely drunk), which provide more specific gradations of intoxication. The opposite of nichtnüchtern is "nüchtern," meaning sober or temperate.

The word reflects German cultural attitudes toward alcohol consumption and responsibility, appearing frequently in educational materials about responsible drinking and in legal documentation regarding alcohol-related regulations. It remains an important term in contemporary German vocabulary for describing states of intoxication and their social and legal implications.