{"id":94329,"date":"2023-02-09T19:51:21","date_gmt":"2023-02-10T00:51:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/fruits-in-german\/"},"modified":"2025-02-23T23:09:09","modified_gmt":"2025-02-24T04:09:09","slug":"fruits-in-german","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/german\/fruits-in-german\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Fruits in German"},"content":{"rendered":"

Eating out<\/a> or grocery shopping<\/a> in German-speaking countries can be difficult if you don’t know much fruit-related vocabulary.<\/p>\n

In this blog post, I’m going to teach you how to say 20 of the most commonly used fruits and six popular fruit dishes. By the end, you’ll confidently be able to know what you’re eating and, more importantly, what you should try next.<\/p>\n

[fluentu-toc]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1. der Apfel <\/em>(Apple)<\/h2>\n

Plural:<\/strong> die \u00c4pfel <\/em>\u00a0(apples)<\/p>\n

Apples readily grow in central Europe. In fact, the best apple I’ve ever had was right off the tree in Kamenz, Saxony. They’re ready to harvest in early fall, so they’re a big part of holiday dishes.<\/p>\n

You’ll also find the popular drink Apfelschorle<\/em>\u00a0in German-speaking countries\u2014a carbonated beverage made from apple juice.<\/p>\n

Example<\/strong><\/p>\n

Die \u00c4pfel sind reif.<\/em>
\n(The apples are ripe.)<\/p>\n

2. die Erdbeere<\/em>\u00a0(Strawberry)<\/h2>\n

Plural:<\/strong> die Erdbeeren<\/em>\u00a0(strawberries)<\/p>\n

If you’ve ever seen a strawberry plant, you know they grow across the ground, which is where their name comes from. Erdbeere<\/em> literally means “earth berry.”<\/p>\n

Example<\/strong><\/p>\n

Meine Tochter liebt Erdbeeren.<\/em>
\n(My daughter loves strawberries.)<\/p>\n

3. die Blaubeere<\/em>\u00a0(Blueberry)<\/h2>\n

Plural:<\/strong> die Blaubeeren<\/em>\u00a0(blueberries)<\/p>\n

You can find both domestic and wild blueberries all across northern and central Europe.<\/p>\n

Example<\/strong><\/p>\n

Im Sommer k\u00f6nnen wir Blaubeeren pfl\u00fccken.<\/em>
\n(In the summer, we can pick blueberries.)<\/p>\n

4. die Brombeere<\/em>\u00a0(Blackberry)<\/h2>\n

Plural:<\/strong> die Brombeeren<\/em>\u00a0(blackberries)<\/p>\n

Along with strawberries and blueberries, you’ll find wild blackberries growing in Germany’s temperate climate<\/a>. Be careful, though: their prickles could cut your skin or clothes.<\/p>\n

Example<\/strong><\/p>\n

Die Kinder sammeln wilde Brombeeren.<\/em>
\n(The children are collecting wild blackberries.)<\/p>\n

5. die Himbeere<\/em>\u00a0(Raspberry)<\/h2>\n

Plural:<\/strong> die Himbeeren<\/em>\u00a0(raspberries)<\/p>\n

Raspberries are another berry that grows naturally in Germany.<\/p>\n

Example<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ich k\u00f6nnte ein ganzes Kilogramm Himbeeren essen!<\/em>
\n(I could eat a whole kilogram of raspberries!)<\/p>\n

6. die Moosbeere<\/em>\u00a0(Cranberry)<\/h2>\n

Plural:<\/strong> die Moosbeeren<\/em>\u00a0(cranberries)<\/p>\n

Technically, the word M<\/em>oosbeere<\/em> refers to the European cranberry. However, agricultural production of this variety is minimal.<\/p>\n

Most cranberries consumed in Germany are imported from America. The technical name for these is Gro\u00dffr\u00fcchtige Moosbeere,<\/em> but most German speakers just refer to them as Moosbeeren.<\/em><\/p>\n

Example<\/strong><\/p>\n

Moosbeeren sind mir zu sauer.<\/em>
\n(Cranberries are too sour for me.)<\/p>\n

7. die Kirsche<\/em>\u00a0(Cherry)<\/h2>\n

Plural:<\/strong> die Kirschen<\/em>\u00a0(cherries)<\/p>\n

Along with apples, cherries are considered one of the most important fruits in German culture (sweet cherries being the most common variety). They grow in southern Germany, especially in Baden-W\u00fcrtemberg.<\/p>\n

Example<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ich setze eine Kirsche auf das Eis.<\/em>
\n(I put a cherry on the ice cream.)<\/p>\n

8. die Traube<\/em>\u00a0(Grape)<\/h2>\n

Plural<\/strong>: die Trauben<\/em>\u00a0(grapes)<\/p>\n

Germany has a very fertile wine country in the west. Plus, its neighboring countries Austria and Switzerland are also known for their vineyards. Popular German grape varieties include Gew\u00fcrztraminer<\/em> and Riesling.<\/em><\/p>\n

Example<\/strong><\/p>\n

Das Baby mampft Trauben.<\/em>
\n(The baby is munching on grapes.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

9. die Orange<\/em>\u00a0(Orange)<\/h2>\n

Plural:<\/strong> die Orangen<\/em>\u00a0(oranges)<\/p>\n

Germany is too cold to grow oranges, but that doesn’t stop local Germans from eating them. They eat oranges plain and use the juice and peel to flavor dishes.<\/p>\n

Example<\/strong><\/p>\n

Diese Orange hat eine dicke Schale.<\/em>
\n(This orange has a thick peel.)<\/p>\n

10. die Pflaume<\/em>\u00a0(Plum)<\/h2>\n

Plural:<\/strong> die Pflaumen<\/em>\u00a0(plums)<\/p>\n

Plums grow wild in many parts of Germany, with their sweet flavor and refreshing texture making them popular.<\/p>\n

Example<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bitte nimm die Pflaumen aus dem K\u00fchlschrank.<\/em>
\n(Please take the plums out of the fridge.)<\/p>\n

11. die Birne<\/em>\u00a0(Pear)<\/h2>\n

Plural:<\/strong> die Birnen<\/em>\u00a0(pears)<\/p>\n

Like apples, pears grow easily in Germany and play an important role in its culture.<\/p>\n

Example<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ich schneide die Birne in kleine St\u00fccke.<\/em>
\n(I cut the pear into small pieces.)<\/p>\n

12. die Banane <\/em>(Banana)<\/h2>\n

Plural:<\/strong> die Bananen <\/em>(bananas)<\/p>\n

Bananas don’t grow in Germany. However, since they’re one of the most popular fruits in the world and are easy to store, you’ll inevitably find them in supermarkets and restaurants.<\/p>\n

Example<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nimm dir eine Banane mit.<\/em>
\n(Take a banana with you.)<\/p>\n

13. die Feige <\/em>(Fig)<\/h2>\n

Plural:<\/strong> die Feigen <\/em>(figs)<\/p>\n

You’ll find these delicious fruits both fresh and dried throughout Germany, Austria and Switzerland.<\/p>\n

Example<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mein Opa bevorzugt getrocknete Feigen.<\/em>
\n(My grandpa prefers dried figs.)<\/p>\n

14. die Ananas<\/em>\u00a0(Pineapple)<\/h2>\n

Plural:<\/strong> die Ananas<\/em>\u00a0(pineapples)<\/p>\n

Of course, pineapples are tropical fruits, so you aren’t going to find them growing wild in German-speaking countries. You can still get them at most supermarkets, though.<\/p>\n

Example<\/strong><\/p>\n

Du bist verr\u00fcckt, wenn du Ananas auf Pizza magst.<\/em>
\n(You’re crazy if you like pineapple on pizza.)<\/p>\n

15. der Pfirsich<\/em>\u00a0(Peach)<\/h2>\n

Plural:<\/strong> die Pfirsiche<\/em>\u00a0(peaches)<\/p>\n

Peach trees prefer warmer weather than Germany has to offer. As a result, German speakers usually import them from neighbors like Italy and Spain.<\/p>\n

Example<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pfirsiche haben eine pelzige Haut.<\/em>
\n(Peaches have a furry skin.)<\/p>\n

16. die Wassermelone<\/em>\u00a0(Watermelon)<\/h2>\n

Plural:<\/strong> die Wassermelonen<\/em>\u00a0(watermelons)<\/p>\n

The name for this giant fruit is almost the same in English, reflecting its juicy nature.<\/p>\n

Example<\/strong><\/p>\n

Diese Wassermelone ist so erfrischend!<\/em>
\n(This watermelon is so refreshing!)<\/p>\n

17. die Zitrone<\/em>\u00a0(Lemon)<\/h2>\n

Plural:<\/strong> die Zitronen <\/em>(lemons)<\/p>\n

To remember the word for lemons, just think of the word “citrus.”<\/p>\n

Example<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ich m\u00f6chte einen Zitronenbaum in meinem Garten pflanzen.<\/em>
\n(I want to plant a lemon tree in my backyard.)<\/p>\n

18. die Aprikose<\/em>\u00a0(Apricot)<\/h2>\n

Plural:<\/strong> die Aprikosen<\/em>\u00a0(apricots)<\/p>\n

You might find dried pieces of this fruit in M\u00fcsli<\/em> (similar to granola) or Studentenfutter <\/em>(a kind of trail mix).<\/p>\n

Example<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mama macht Marmelade mit den Aprikosen aus dem Garten.<\/em>
\n(Mom makes jam with the apricots from the garden.)<\/p>\n

19. der Granatapfel <\/em>(Pomegranate)<\/h2>\n

Plural:<\/strong> die Granat\u00e4pfel<\/em>\u00a0(pomegranates)<\/p>\n

Pomegranates don’t do well in Germany’s temperate climate. But when in season, you can find them in the store.<\/p>\n

Example<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ich mache einen Salat mit Ziegenk\u00e4se, Rucola und Granatapfelkerne.<\/em>
\n(I’m making a salad with goat’s cheese, rocket and pomegranate seeds.)<\/p>\n

20. die Kiwi <\/em>(Kiwi)<\/h2>\n

Plural:<\/strong> die Kiwis<\/em>\u00a0(kiwis)<\/p>\n

Kiwis might not grow in Germany, but the natives still like using them for desserts and cocktails.<\/p>\n

Example<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mein Bruder ist allergisch gegen Kiwis.<\/em>
\n(My brother is allergic to kiwis.)<\/p>\n

6 German Fruit Dishes to Keep Your Eye Out For<\/h2>\n

Traditionally, German speakers ate fruits that grew in the temperate climate of their country. Today, these fruits are still what you’ll see growing in gardens or at the local farmers’ market.<\/p>\n

Of course, in a modern German grocery store, you’ll also find fruit from around the world. German-speaking countries import fruit from many different climates these days, and these fruits have also become integrated into the daily diets of German people<\/p>\n

You can actually notice this even in German media like movies and vlogs, where you might spot German fruits and fruit-based dishes. The German videos on FluentU can also fill you in on more German cultural tidbits and vocabulary,\u00a0<\/p>\n

FluentU<\/strong> takes authentic videos\u2014like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks\u2014and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.<\/p>\r\n

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