Spargel
/ˈʃparɡəl/masculine
The English word "asparagus" is translated into German as Spargel.
Spargel refers to the asparagus shoots used as food.
Meaning: asparagus shoots (food) (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Spargel is the general term, you may see Spargelstangen used to refer specifically to individual asparagus stalks. To distinguish between varieties, weißer Spargel (or Der weiße Spargel) is used for white asparagus, which is often contrasted with grüner Spargel (green asparagus).
How does it change in a sentence?
Spargel is a masculine noun. Consequently, it takes the masculine articles der (the) or ein (a).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃparɡəl/
When do people say it?
In Germany, there is a highly celebrated culinary period known as Spargelzeit, which refers to the specific season when fresh asparagus is harvested.
Did you know?
- While Spargel is the food, the term is sometimes used colloquially to describe someone who is very tall and thin.
- In Germany, Spargel is so highly prized that the season is often called the 'white gold' of the kitchen.
- The word Spargel may have adopted the -el ending in the 16th century to sound like other plant names such as Kerbel and Kümmel.
Examples in context
- Dieser Spargel ist köstlich.This asparagus is delicious.This sentence is useful for describing the taste of the Spargel.Tatoeba #9724258 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9951622 by sundown
- Die Spargelernte beginnt heuer früher.The asparagus harvest will start earlier this year.This sentence is useful for discussing the timing of the Spargel harvest.Tatoeba #3149474 by brauchinet, translation #10791712 by sundown
- Wann hast du das letztemal Spargel gegessen?When was the last time you ate asparagus?This sentence is useful for asking about a past experience eating Spargel.Tatoeba #12663398 by Waldelfe, translation #11835664 by CK
- Ich möchte bitte den Spargel bestellen.I would like to order the asparagus, please.
- Im Frühling genießen viele Menschen den weißen Spargel.In spring, many people enjoy white asparagus.
- Hast du gestern Spargel zum Abendessen gehabt?Did you have asparagus for dinner yesterday?
- Kannst du mir bitte ein paar Spargelstangen geben?Can you please give me a few asparagus stalks?
- Der Spargel schmeckt köstlich und zart.The asparagus tastes delicious and tender.
- Ich ziehe gegrillten Spargel dem gekochten vor.I prefer grilled asparagus over boiled.
- Spargel ist reich an Vitaminen und enthält viele Ballaststoffe.Asparagus is rich in vitamins and high in fiber.
- Ich habe ein tolles Rezept für Spargelsuppe gefunden.I found a great recipe for asparagus soup.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is planning their shopping list for the week.
- MaximilianKaufen wir heute Spargel?Are we buying asparagus today?
- JuliaJa, der Spargel sieht sehr frisch aus.Yes, the asparagus looks very fresh.
- MaximilianIch mache heute Spargel mit Kartoffeln.I am making asparagus with potatoes today.
- JuliaDas klingt nach einem tollen Abendessen.That sounds like a great dinner.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “asparagus” translations and entries Spargel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Spargel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
