{"id":94416,"date":"2024-02-26T16:53:01","date_gmt":"2024-02-26T21:53:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/vegetables-in-german\/"},"modified":"2025-02-13T04:24:06","modified_gmt":"2025-02-13T09:24:06","slug":"vegetables-in-german","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/german\/vegetables-in-german\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Say 58 Common Vegetables in German"},"content":{"rendered":"

Do you have Tomaten auf dem Augen<\/em>\u00a0(tomatoes on your eyes) when it comes to your German food vocabulary<\/a>? In other words, are you wearing the proverbial “rose-tinted glasses” (or in this case,\u00a0Tomaten)<\/em> when it comes to your knowledge about food in German?<\/p>\n

In this post, you’ll learn 58 vegetables in German<\/strong>, from die Blattgem\u00fcse <\/em>(leafy vegetables) to die H\u00fclsenfr\u00fcchte\u00a0<\/em>(legumes).<\/p>\n

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

<\/p>\n

Gem\u00fcse auf Deutsch <\/em>(Vegetables in German)<\/h2>\n

Before we get started, keep in mind that das Gem\u00fcse <\/em><\/strong>is uncountable in German. That means that it’s written and said as das Gem\u00fcse<\/em> in both singular and plural.<\/p>\n

In other words, when you’re referring to one vegetable, it’s called das Gem\u00fcse<\/em>. For example, you might ask,<\/p>\n

Welches Gem\u00fcse<\/strong> passt zu Fisch?<\/em> (What vegetable goes with fish?)<\/p>\n

When referring to multiple vegetables or vegetables as a whole, you use this same form, even though it feels like it should be plural in English (and thus take the plural article die<\/em> [the]).<\/p>\n

For example:<\/p>\n

Heute gibt es Fisch mit Bratkartoffeln und Gem\u00fcse. <\/em>(Today, we have fish with roast potatoes and vegetables.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s look at the stars of the show\u2014das Gem\u00fcse\u00a0<\/em>themselves!<\/p>\n

der Salat \/ der Kopfsalat <\/em>(Lettuce)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form: <\/strong>die Salate \/ die Kopfsalate<\/em><\/p>\n

There’s little difference between these two words. They both mean “lettuce,” but der Kopfsalat<\/em> has more of a “head of lettuce” meaning because of the word Kopf <\/em>(head).<\/p>\n

Der Salat <\/em>also means “salad” in German.<\/p>\n

die Tomate <\/em>(Tomato)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form: <\/strong>die Tomaten<\/em><\/p>\n

Remember our idiomatic expression from earlier on?\u00a0Tomaten auf dem Augen haben\u00a0<\/em>(to have tomatoes on one’s eyes) means “to be unaware that something is happening.”<\/p>\n

This can apply to situations like when you don’t notice your lover’s new haircut or a coworker doesn’t realize that they’ll soon be fired.<\/p>\n

der Blumenkohl<\/em> (Cauliflower)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form: <\/strong>die Blumenkohle<\/em><\/p>\n

This word is literally translated as “flowering cabbage.” It’s quite a colorful description, but I sure am happy that cauliflower tastes nothing like cabbage!<\/p>\n

der Brokkoli<\/em> (Broccoli)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form:<\/strong> die Brokkoli \/ die Brokkolis<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

This can also be spelled Broccoli <\/em>in German. In some German-speaking households in North America, there’s an apparent “German-style” broccoli dish with bacon and mustard<\/a>.<\/p>\n

die Karotte \/ die M\u00f6hre<\/em>\u00a0(Carrot)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form: <\/strong>die Karotten \/ die M\u00f6hren<\/em><\/p>\n

Die Karotte <\/em>is the general, most-used word for “carrot” in German.<\/p>\n

In the north of Germany, some speakers call carrots die M\u00f6hre.\u00a0<\/em>They’re also called gelbe R\u00fcbe<\/em> in southern Germany, with\u00a0gelbe<\/em> meaning “yellow” and\u00a0R\u00fcbe<\/em> meaning “turnip.”<\/p>\n

Both of these regions will understand\u00a0die Karotte<\/em>, of course, but you might see these two variations on labels and in daily conversations.<\/p>\n

der Sellerie<\/em> (Celery)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form: <\/strong>die Sellerie<\/em><\/p>\n

This word was borrowed from the French word\u00a0c\u00e9leri\u00a0<\/em>(celery). Germans also eat Sellerieknolle\u00a0<\/em>(celery root) which is sometimes called “celeriac” in English.<\/p>\n

Both\u00a0Sellerie<\/em> and\u00a0Sellerieknolle<\/em> can be combined with apples and beef broth for a tasty German-style salad<\/a>.<\/p>\n

der Spinat<\/em> (Spinach)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form:<\/strong>die Spinate<\/em><\/p>\n

This word was borrowed from the Italian word\u00a0spinace\u00a0<\/em>(spinach). Germany is famous for its creamed spinach<\/a>.<\/p>\n

der Lauch <\/em>(Leek)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form: <\/strong>die Lauche<\/em><\/p>\n

Germans are quite fond of leeks with many different varieties cultivated in Germany. In fact, Germans love putting leeks in soups. Namely, cheese and leek soup<\/a>!<\/p>\n

die Erbse<\/em> (Pea)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form: <\/strong>die Erbsen<\/em><\/p>\n

In Germany, peas are common in soups as well as on their own with some butter and onion.<\/p>\n

der Gartenk\u00fcrbis<\/em> (Marrow) \/ die Zucchini <\/em>(Zucchini)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form: <\/strong>die Gartenk\u00fcrbisse \/ die Zucchini<\/em><\/p>\n

Like in English, there are a few ways to say this vegetable in German. Gartenk\u00fcrbis<\/em> literally translates to “garden pumpkin,” and it most accurately translates to a marrow, which is a type of immature zucchini (also known as a courgette in the United Kingdom).<\/p>\n

die Aubergine <\/em>(Aubergine) \/ die Eierfrucht<\/em>\u00a0(Eggplant)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form: <\/strong>die Auberginen \/ die Eierfr\u00fcchte<\/em><\/p>\n

It turns out there are two ways to say this vegetable, too! Eierfrucht<\/em> is the literal translation of “egg fruit.”<\/p>\n

der Paprika <\/em>(Pepper) \/ die Paprikaschote<\/em>\u00a0(Bell pepper)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form: <\/strong>die Paprikas<\/em> \/ die Paprikaschoten<\/em><\/p>\n

As in English, these two words are pretty interchangeable. However, they aren’t to be confused with the spice der Pfeffer<\/em> (pepper).<\/p>\n

die Chilischote<\/em> (Chili pepper)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form: <\/strong>die Chilischoten<\/em><\/p>\n

These are also known as\u00a0Peperoncino<\/em> (their native Italian name). Germans add C<\/em>hilischoten<\/em> to dishes much the same way the rest of the world does\u2014to give the dish some heat!<\/p>\n

der Kohl<\/em> (Cabbage)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form: <\/strong>die Kohle<\/em><\/p>\n

Ah, there it is. It’s not my favorite, but it’s a crucial ingredient to the German’s beloved Sauerkraut<\/em>.<\/p>\n

der Knoblauch<\/em> (Garlic) \/ die Knoblauchzehe\u00a0<\/em>(Clove of garlic)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form: <\/strong>die Knoblauchzehen\u00a0<\/em>(Cloves of garlic)<\/p>\n

In German, this vegetable is a type of\u00a0Lauch\u00a0<\/em>(leek). Knoblauch<\/em> is added to a wide variety of dishes, particularly in German\u00a0Bierocks<\/em><\/a> (meat turnovers).<\/p>\n

die Zwiebel<\/em> (Onion)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form: <\/strong>die Zwiebeln<\/em><\/p>\n

Did you know that Germany is famous for its Zwiebelkuchen\u00a0<\/em>(Onion Pie)<\/a>?<\/p>\n

die Kartoffel<\/em> (Potato)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form: <\/strong>die Kartoffeln<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s been said that the Germans have a “love affair” with potatoes<\/a>. They’re often made as a side to meat dishes and can be fried, baked, boiled or roasted.<\/p>\n

die S\u00fc\u00dfkartoffel<\/em> (Sweet potato)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form:<\/strong>die S\u00fc\u00dfkartoffeln<\/em><\/p>\n

This word comes from the joining of two words:\u00a0S\u00fc\u00df\u00a0<\/em>(sweet) and\u00a0kartoffel.\u00a0<\/em>They’re commonly baked or cubed and cooked for salads.<\/p>\n

die R\u00fcbe<\/em> (Turnip)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form: <\/strong>die R\u00fcben<\/em><\/p>\n

Karotten<\/em> and\u00a0R\u00fcben<\/em> are related, and their names are almost interchangeable in German-speaking regions. If you’re looking for turnip, however, make sure to only use the word\u00a0R\u00fcbe.<\/em><\/p>\n

die Gurke<\/em> (Cucumber)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form: <\/strong>die Gurken<\/em><\/p>\n

The German language shares the same origin of this word with the British gherkin. Cucumbers are widely grown in southern Germany, and they’re the fourth most consumed vegetable<\/a> there.<\/p>\n

der Mais<\/em> (Corn)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

This word comes from the Spanish word\u00a0ma\u00edz<\/em>, and the first instances of corn were brought to Europe from North America. Germany is now one of the biggest producers of corn<\/a> in Europe.<\/p>\n

der Spargel<\/em> (Asparagus)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form:<\/strong>die Spargel<\/em><\/p>\n

Asparagus has a very special place in German cuisine. The Germans even have entire festivals around the cultivation and consumption of it!<\/p>\n

Spargelzeit<\/em><\/a> (lit. “asparagus time”) is the time of the year when asparagus is harvested and eaten.<\/p>\n

die Bohne <\/em>(Bean)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form: <\/strong>die Bohnen<\/em><\/p>\n

You can also say\u00a0Kaffeebohne<\/em> in German to refer to a coffee bean. There are many types of beans to choose from, check the tables for more!<\/p>\n

die\u00a0Sojabohne<\/em> (Soybean)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form:<\/strong>die Sojabohnen<\/em><\/p>\n

Soybeans aren’t native to Germany. Instead, they were brought from East Asia in the 1600s.<\/p>\n

die Avocado<\/em> (Avocado)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form: <\/strong>die Avocados<\/em><\/p>\n

Avocados also aren’t native to Germany, but rather imports from the Americas in the 1500s. Like the rest of the western world, Germans have grown to love avocados recently. They consumed 36,000 tons of them in 2018<\/a>!<\/p>\n

das Rote Beet<\/em> (Beet)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form:<\/strong>die Rote Beete<\/em><\/p>\n

Rote<\/em> is the color<\/a> “red” in German. Beets are grown in southern Germany, and the Germans often eat them pickled and with onions<\/a>.<\/p>\n

der Rettich<\/em> (Radish)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form: <\/strong>die Rettiche<\/em><\/p>\n

Like English, this word came from the Latin word\u00a0r\u0101dix<\/em>. Special white radishes are called\u00a0Bierrettich<\/em> (beer radish).<\/p>\n

der Pilz<\/em> (Mushroom)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form: <\/strong>die Pilze<\/em><\/p>\n

Wild mushrooms are very popular in Germany and still picked regularly. Be careful when attempting to pick them yourself, though!<\/p>\n

die Olive <\/em>(Olive)<\/h3>\n

\"vegetables<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form: <\/strong>die Oliven<\/em><\/p>\n

Brought from the Mediterranean, olives are less popular in native German cuisine. However, they\u00a0are<\/em>\u00a0common in griechischer Salat\u00a0<\/em>(Greek salad).<\/p>\n

der K\u00fcrbis<\/em> (Pumpkin)<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Plural Form: <\/strong>die K\u00fcrbisse<\/em><\/p>\n

Native to North America, pumpkins were first brought to Europe in the 1500s. Now, they’re grown all over Germany, and there’s an annual pumpkin festival in Ludwigsburg<\/a> every year during the late summer.<\/p>\n

More Vegetables in German<\/h2>\n

Die Blattgem\u00fcse<\/em> (Leafy vegetables)<\/h3>\n

\"close-up-of-spinach-and-romaine-lettuce\"<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
English<\/strong><\/th>German Singular Form<\/strong><\/th>German Plural Form<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Romaine lettuce<\/td> der R\u00f6mersalat <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die R\u00f6mersalate <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Iceberg lettuce<\/td> der Eisbergsalat <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die Eisbergsalate <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Red leaf lettuce<\/td> der Lollo Rosso <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die Lollo Rossos <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Watercress<\/td> die Brunnenkresse <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die Brunnenkressen <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

Die Kreuzbl\u00fctelgem\u00fcse<\/em> (Cruciferous vegetables)<\/h3>\n

\"brussels-sprouts-in-a-paper-bag-on-a-wooden-table\"<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
English<\/strong><\/th>German Singular Form<\/strong><\/th>German Plural Form<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Brussels sprouts<\/td> der Rosenkohl <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die Rosenkohle <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rocket\/Arugula<\/td> der Rucola <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die Rucolas <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Broccolini\/baby broccoli<\/td> der Baby-Brokkoli <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die Baby-Brokkoli <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Red cabbage<\/td> der Rotkohl <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die Rotkohle <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kale<\/td> der Gr\u00fcnkohl <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die Gr\u00fcnkohle <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bok choy<\/td> der Pak Choi <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die Pak Choi <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

Die Wurzelgem\u00fcse<\/em> (Root vegetables)<\/h3>\n

\"close-up-shot-of-ginger-on-a-cutting-board\"<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
English<\/strong><\/th>German Singular Form<\/strong><\/th>German Plural Form<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Ginger<\/td> der Ingwer <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die Ingwer <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Parsnip<\/td> die Pastinake <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die Pastinaken <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rutabaga\/swede<\/td> der Kohlr\u00fcbe <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die Kohlr\u00fcben <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Horseradish<\/td> der Meerrettich <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die Meerrettiche <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

Die St\u00e4ngelgem\u00fcse<\/em> (Stem vegetables)<\/h3>\n

\"close-up-photo-of-bunches-of-rhubarb-tied-together-with-string-on-a-table\"<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
English<\/strong><\/th>German Singular Form<\/strong><\/th>German Plural Form<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Rhubarb<\/td> der Rhabarber <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die Rhabarber <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
White asparagus<\/td> der wei\u00dfe Spargel <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die wei\u00dfen Spargel <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Green asparagus<\/td> der gr\u00fcne Spargel <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die gr\u00fcnen Spargel <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bamboo shoot<\/td> der Bambusspross <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die Bambussprossen <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

Die Zwiebelgem\u00fcse<\/em> (Bulb vegetables)<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
English<\/strong><\/th>German Singular Form<\/strong><\/th>German Plural Form<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Red onion<\/td> die rote Zwiebel <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die rote Zwiebeln <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Spring onion<\/td> die Fr\u00fchlingszwiebel <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die Fr\u00fchlingszwiebeln <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Shallot<\/td> die Schalotte <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die Schalotten <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fennel<\/td> der Fenchel <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die Fenchel <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

Die H\u00fclsenfr\u00fcchte<\/em> (Legumes)<\/h3>\n

\"chickpeas-in-a-cup-and-on-the-table\"<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
English<\/strong><\/th>German Singular Form<\/strong><\/th>German Plural Form<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Chickpea<\/td> die Kichererbse <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die Kichererbsen <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lentil<\/td> die Linse <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die Linsen <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Green bean<\/td> die gr\u00fcne Bohne <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die gr\u00fcnen Bohnen <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kidney bean<\/td> die Kidneybohne <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die Kidneybohnen <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lima bean<\/td> die Limabohne <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die Limabohnen <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Marrowfat pea<\/td> die Kapuzinererbse <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td> die Kapuzinererbsen <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

Bonus: Die Kr\u00e4uter<\/em> (<\/strong>Herbs)<\/h3>\n

\"close-up-photo-of-oregano-plants\"<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
English<\/strong><\/th>German Singular Form<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Basil<\/td> der Basilikum <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cilantro<\/td> der Koriander <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Parsley<\/td> die Petersilie <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Oregano<\/td> der Oregano <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rosemary<\/td> der Rosmarin <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cress<\/td> der Kresse <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tarragon<\/td> der Estragon <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dill<\/td> der Dill <\/a>\n <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

Note that, like in English, herbs in German only have singular forms.<\/p>\n

How to Practice Vegetables in German<\/h2>\n

Don’t just memorize a list of vegetables in German and expect to be able to recall their meanings later on. Instead, try learning German vegetables in context and practicing them often!<\/p>\n

But just one final note: remember that German words<\/a> that start with der<\/em> (the) are masculine, words that start with die\u00a0<\/em>(the) are feminine and words that start with das<\/em>\u00a0(the) are neuter.<\/p>\n