As you embark on your culinary adventures or language-learning journey, knowing the names of common vegetables in German can be both practical and enjoyable. Germany, with its rich culinary traditions and diverse cuisine, offers a vibrant array of vegetables used in various delicious dishes. In this blog post, we'll explore the German names of the 50 most common vegetables to expand your vocabulary and culinary horizons.
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Vegetables and their German Translation
1. Potato - Kartoffel
Potatoes are a staple in German cuisine, often used to make Kartoffelsalat (potato salad) or Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup).
2. Tomato - Tomate
Tomatoes are used in countless German recipes, from salads to sauces like Tomatensauce (tomato sauce).
3. Onion - Zwiebel
Zwiebeln are essential for flavouring dishes like Zwiebelsuppe (onion soup) or Zwiebelkuchen (onion cake).
4. Carrot - Karotte
Karotten are commonly used in soups, stews, and as a side dish.
5. Cucumber - Gurke
Gurken are often found in salads and pickled for a refreshing snack.
6. Bell Pepper - Paprika
Paprika is used in various colours to add flavour and colour to dishes like Paprikaschoten (chilu).
7. Garlic - Knoblauch
Knoblauch is a key ingredient in many German recipes, such as Knoblauchbrot (garlic bread).
8. Spinach - Spinat
Spinat is a popular green vegetable used in Spinatnudeln (spinach noodles) and Spinatquiche (spinach quiche).
9. Broccoli - Brokkoli
Brokkoli is used in salads and as a side dish, often served with a creamy sauce.
10. Cauliflower - Blumenkohl
Blumenkohl is commonly used in German dishes like Blumenkohlsuppe (cauliflower soup) and Blumenkohlauflauf (cauliflower casserole).
11. Pumpkin - Kürbis
Kürbis is used in soups, stews, and even desserts like Kürbiskuchen (pumpkin pie).
12. Eggplant/Aubergine - Aubergine
Auberginen are used in dishes like Auberginenauflauf (eggplant casserole) and Ratatouille.
13. Lettuce - Salat
Various types of Salat are used in salads, such as Kopfsalat (lettuce) and Rucolasalat (arugula salad).
14. Peas - Erbsen
Erbsen are a common side dish and used in dishes like Erbsensuppe (pea soup).
15. Corn - Mais
Mais is used in salads, salsas, and as a side dish.
16. Green Beans - Grüne Bohnen
Grüne Bohnen are often served as a side dish, sometimes with bacon.
17. Asparagus - Spargel
Spargel is a spring delicacy in Germany, enjoyed in dishes like Spargelsuppe (asparagus soup) and Spargelsalat (asparagus salad).
18. Mushroom - Pilz
Pilze are used in various German recipes, including Pilzrisotto (mushroom risotto) and Pilzsoße (mushroom sauce).
19. Radish - Radieschen
Radieschen are commonly used in salads and as a garnish.
20. Sweet Potato - Süßkartoffel
Süßkartoffeln are used in various recipes, including Süßkartoffelpüree (mashed sweet potatoes).
21. Leek - Lauch
Lauch is used in soups, quiches, and as a side dish.
22. Brussels Sprouts - Rosenkohl
Rosenkohl is often served as a side dish in Germany, sometimes with butter and almonds.
23. Zucchini/Courgette - Zucchini
Zucchini are used in dishes like Zucchinipuffer (zucchini fritters) and Zucchininudeln (zucchini noodles).
24. Beetroot - Rote Bete
Rote Bete is used in salads, soups, and even as a natural food coloring.
25. Celery - Sellerie
Sellerie is used in soups, stews, and salads.
26. Radicchio - Radicchio
Radicchio is used in salads and as a garnish.
27. Parsnip - Pastinake
Pastinaken are used in soups and stews, imparting a sweet flavor.
28. Turnip - Rübe
Rüben are used in various forms, such as Rübensalat (turnip salad) and Rübenmus (turnip mash).
29. Artichoke - Artischocke
Artischocken are used in salads and as a pizza topping.
30. Cabbage - Kohl
Various types of Kohl are used in German cuisine, including Weißkohl (white cabbage) and Rotkohl (red cabbage).
31. Swiss Chard - Mangold
Mangold is used in salads, quiches, and as a side dish.
32. Okra - Okra
Okra is used in stews and as a thickening agent in dishes like Gumbo.
33. Kohlrabi - Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is often served raw as a snack or in salads.
34. Chives - Schnittlauch
Schnittlauch is used as a garnish and flavoring in various dishes.
35. Watercress - Brunnenkresse
Brunnenkresse is used in salads and as a garnish for sandwiches.
36. Endive - Endivie
Endivie is used in salads and as a cooked vegetable.
37. Fennel - Fenchel
Fenchel is used in salads and soups, known for its anise-like flavor.
38. Rutabaga - Steckrübe
Steckrüben are used in stews and soups, especially in the northern regions of Germany.
39. Dill - Dill
Dill is used as a seasoning for dishes like Kartoffelsalat mit Dill (potato salad with dill).
40. Ginger - Ingwer
Ingwer is used in various dishes and is popular in German gingerbread (Lebkuchen).
41. Radicchio - Radicchio
Radicchio is used in salads and as a garnish.
42. Bean Sprouts -
Bohnensprossen are commonly used in stir-fries, salads, and as a garnish for various Asian dishes.
43. Raddish- Rettich
Rettich is often sliced and added to salads or used as a garnish.
44. Asparagus- Spargel
Spargel is a popular spring vegetable in Germany and is typically steamed or roasted and served with hollandaise sauce.
45. Kale- Grünkohl
Grünkohl is traditionally used in hearty German dishes like Grünkohl mit Pinkel (kale with sausage) and is also used in salads.
46. Garlic- Knoblauch
Knoblauch is a versatile vegetable used to flavour a wide range of savoury dishes, sauces, and soups.
47. Soy bean- Sojabohne
Sojabohne is used to make soy products such as tofu, soy milk, and various sauces.
48. Rhubarb- Rhabarber
Rhabarber is used to make desserts like rhubarb pie, crumble, or compote, often combined with sugar to balance its tartness.
49. Artichoke- Artischoke
Artischoke is commonly served as a side dish or used in dips and salads.
50. Shallots- Schalotten
Schalotten are used as a flavourful addition to various dishes, especially in sauces and vinaigrettes.
On our German language blog, you'll find other posts you might find interesting, such as on popular German dishes, how to order a meal in German and essential phrases for your trip to a German-speaking country.
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