German Names for the 50 Most Common Herbs: A Comprehensive Guide

Herbs (Kräuter) have been used for centuries in cooking, medicine, and aromatherapy. Whether you are a culinary enthusiast, a gardener, or a German language learner, knowing the names of common herbs in German can be highly beneficial. In this guide, we will cover 50 essential herbs, their German names, uses, and cultural significance in Germany.

Herbs in German

1. Essential Culinary Herbs (Essbare Küchenkräuter)

Culinary herbs are widely used in German and international cuisine for seasoning and flavouring.

1. Basil – Das Basilikum

2. Parsley – Die Petersilie

3. Cilantro / Coriander – Der Koriander

4. Thyme – Der Thymian

5. Rosemary – Der Rosmarin

6. Oregano – Der Oregano

7. Dill – Der Dill

8. Chives – Der Schnittlauch

9. Tarragon – Der Estragon

10. Lovage – Der Liebstöckel

Cultural Importance

• Petersilie (Parsley) is a staple in German cuisine, often used in potato dishes and soups.

• Dill is essential in German pickling traditions, particularly for Gurken (pickles).

2. Medicinal and Healing Herbs (Heilkräuter)

Many herbs have been used in traditional German medicine and natural remedies.

11. Chamomile – Die Kamille

12. Lavender – Der Lavendel

13. Peppermint – Die Pfefferminze

14. Lemon Balm – Die Zitronenmelisse

15. Sage – Der Salbei

16. Fennel – Der Fenchel

17. St. John’s Wort – Das Johanniskraut

18. Echinacea – Die Sonnenhut

19. Valerian – Der Baldrian

20. Horehound – Der Andorn

Cultural Importance

• Kamillentee (Chamomile tea) is a well-known German remedy for stomachaches and stress relief.

• Salbei (Sage) is often used in herbal teas to soothe sore throats.

3. Aromatic and Fragrant Herbs (Duftende Kräuter)

These herbs are valued for their pleasant aroma and are often used in perfumery, herbal pillows, and scented oils.

21. Lemongrass – Das Zitronengras

22. Bay Leaf – Das Lorbeerblatt

23. Anise – Der Anis

24. Hyssop – Der Ysop

25. Marjoram – Der Majoran

26. Winter Savory – Der Bohnenkraut

27. Borage – Der Borretsch

28. Angelica – Die Engelwurz

29. Mugwort – Der Beifuß

30. Sweet Woodruff – Das Waldmeister

Cultural Importance

• Waldmeister is commonly used in German desserts and drinks like Berliner Weiße mit Waldmeister.

• Lorbeerblätter (Bay leaves) are essential in German stews and sauces.

4. Wild and Foraged Herbs (Wilde Kräuter)

These herbs grow in the wild and have both culinary and medicinal uses.

31. Nettle – Die Brennnessel

32. Chickweed – Das Vogelmiere

33. Dandelion – Der Löwenzahn

34. Yarrow – Die Schafgarbe

35. Plantain – Der Spitzwegerich

36. Horsetail – Der Schachtelhalm

37. Shepherd’s Purse – Das Hirtentäschel

38. Self-Heal – Die Braunelle

39. Ground Ivy – Der Gundermann

40. Wild Garlic (Ramsons) – Der Bärlauch

Cultural Importance

• Bärlauch (Wild Garlic) is a favourite for foragers and is used in pesto and soups.

• Löwenzahn (Dandelion) is widely used for detox teas in German herbal medicine.

5. Exotic and Less Common Herbs (Exotische und seltene Kräuter)

Some herbs are less common but still have culinary and medicinal applications.

41. Fenugreek – Der Bockshornklee

42. Cardamom – Der Kardamom

43. Wasabi – Der Wasabi

44. Curry Leaf – Das Currykraut

45. Mexican Tarragon – Der Mexikanische Estragon

46. Stevia – Die Stevia

47. Epazote – Der Epazote

48. Saffron – Der Safran

49. Galangal – Der Galgant

50. Holy Basil – Das Heilige Basilikum

Cultural Importance

• Safran (Saffron) is a prized spice in German baking and is used in Weihnachtsgebäck (Christmas cookies).

• Stevia is gaining popularity as a natural sweetener in Germany.

6. Useful Herb-Related German Vocabulary

Here are some additional words that will help you discuss herbs in German.

• Herb – Das Kraut

• Leaves – Die Blätter

• Roots – Die Wurzeln

• Stem – Der Stängel

• Flower – Die Blüte

• Seeds – Die Samen

• Dried herbs – Getrocknete Kräuter

• Fresh herbs – Frische Kräuter

• Herbal tea – Der Kräutertee

• Essential oils – Die ätherischen Öle

7. Herbs in German Culture

• Germans love herbal teas: Kräutertees like Kamillentee (Chamomile tea) and Fencheltee (Fennel tea) are widely consumed for their health benefits.

• Herbal medicine is mainstream: Germany has a strong tradition of phytotherapy (Pflanzenheilkunde) and many pharmacies sell herbal remedies.

• Wild foraging is popular: Many people forage for Bärlauch (wild garlic) in spring.

Read our related posts on German names of the most common vegetables and fruits.

8. Conclusion

Learning the German names of herbs is useful for cooking, herbal medicine, and even foraging. Whether you’re a chef, herbalist, or language learner, expanding your vocabulary with these 50 common herbs will enrich your knowledge of both botany and German culture.

🌿 Pro Tip: Try visiting a Markt (market) in Germany and asking for fresh herbs by their German names!

🚀 Viel Spaß beim Deutschlernen! (Have fun learning German!) 🇩🇪