The diversity of German cuisine is reflected in more than just the various regional dishes themselves. There are also distinct differences in the language when it comes to common foods, beverages and dishes, depending on the region and often also the local dialect.
Here are samples of some of the most common culinary words and phrases that you may come across in Germany depending on which area you are visiting. Only the most well-known regional differences are listed.
If you'd like to add to this list, please feel free to drop us a line.
| English |
German |
| Apple Wine |
Apfelwein, Ebbelwoi (Frankfurt) |
| Donuts |
Berliner Pfannkuche, Berliner (Berlin), Kreppel, Fastnachstküchle, Krapfen, Fashingskrapfen (Bavaria), Pfannakung (Upper Franconia |
| Blueberries | Blaubeeren, Heidelbeeren |
| Bread, Roll | Brötchen, Semmel, Wecker, Schrippe |
| Pancake | Eierkuchen, Pfannkuchen, Flädle, Eierdätscher, Eierpuffer |
| Lamb's Lettuce, Mâche | Feldsalat, Rapunzel |
| Meatballs | Frikadelle, Bulette, Klops, Fleiscklößchen |
| Fruit Juice | Fruchtsaft, Obstsaft |
| Shrimp | Garnelen, Crevetten |
| Carrot | Karotte, Möhre, Rübe, Mohrrübe |
| Mashed Potatoes | Kartoffelpürree, Karoffelbrei, Kartoffelmus, Questchkartoffeln, Stampfkartoffeln |
| Potato Pancakes | Kartoffelpuffer, Reibekuchen, Reiberdatschi, Raiberdatschi |
| Cheesecake |
Käsekuchen, Quarkkuchen |
| Cookies | Keks, Plätzchen |
| Dumplings | Kloß, Knödel |
| Jam | Konfitüre, Marmelade, Gelee |
| Lettuce | Kopfsalat, grüner Salat, Blattsalat |
| Horseradish | Meerrettich, Kren |
| Tea Sausage | Mettwurst, Teewurst |
| Mineral Water | Mineralwasser, Sprudel |
| Cola mixed with soda | Moorwasser, Cola mit Oragenlimonade, Diesel, Spez, Kalter Kaffee |
| Orange | Orange, Apfelsine |
| Boiled Potatoes in their skins | Pellkartoffel, Schalenkartoffel, Kartoffel in der Schale |
| Plums | Pflaume, Zwetschge, Questsche |
| Leeks | Porree, Lauch |
| Confectioner's Sugar | Puderzucker, Staubzucker |
| Turkey | Pute, Truthahn |
| Beer with lemon soda | Radler, Alsterwasser |
| Radish | Rettich, Radi |
| Beetroot | Rote Beete, Rote Rübe |
| Red Cabbage | Rotkohl, Rotkohl, Blaukraut |
| Raisins | Rosinen, Korinthen, Sultaninen |
| Cream | Sahne, Schlagsahne, Rahm |
| Anchovies | Sardellen, Anschovis |
| Sour Cream | Sauere Sahne, Sauerrahm, Schmand |
| Cabbage | Weisskohl, Kraut, Kappes |
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