Kohl
/koːl/masculine
The German word for cabbage is Kohl.
Kohl refers to the leaves of the cabbage plant eaten as a vegetable. It is a general term that also functions as a suffix in many compound words to specify different types of cabbage, such as Blumenkohl (cauliflower). Specific varieties include Rotkohl (red cabbage), which is often used to refer to the common dish of braised red cabbage and Blaukohl, which is a synonym for red cabbage used in certain regions.
Meaning: leaves of this plant eaten as a vegetable (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Kohl is the general term for the vegetable, Kohlkopf specifically refers to a single head of cabbage. Additionally, Kohlrabi refers specifically to the variety known as turnip cabbage.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Kraut is used especially in Southern Germany.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Kohl is Kohle, though note that Kohle is also the German word for coal. The noun Kohl is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/koːl/
Did you know?
- In some German dialects, the word Kappes is used for cabbage, which can also mean 'nonsense' in certain contexts.
- The word Kohl is derived from the Latin word caulis, which refers to a stem or stalk.
- The German word Kohlrabi is used globally in many languages, including English, because it was popularized from this German term.
Examples in context
- Er will Kohl essen.He wants to eat cabbage.This sentence shows the use of Kohl to express an intention to eat the vegetable.Tatoeba #11939748 by Naina, translation #11939498 by LdjuherTaqvaylit
- Gib mir einen Kohlkopf.Give me a head of cabbage.This sentence demonstrates how to use Kohl when referring to a single head of cabbage.Tatoeba #1815077 by pne, translation #507260 by CM
- Der Kohl ist vergammelt.The cabbage has gone bad.This sentence illustrates how to describe the condition of the cabbage using Kohl.Tatoeba #7372633 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5789285 by Eccles17
- Entschuldigen Sie, wo finde ich den Weißkohl?Excuse me, where can I find the white cabbage?
- Dieses Gericht enthält Rotkohl.This dish contains red cabbage.
- Hast du Kohlrabi im Supermarkt gekauft?Did you buy kohlrabi at the supermarket?
- Lass uns heute Krautsalat zum Abendessen machen.Let's make coleslaw for dinner today.
- Bitte gib mir einen Krautkopf für den Eintopf.Please give me a cabbage for the stew.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are in the kitchen preparing dinner.
- HannahLukas, hast du den Kohl geschnitten?Lukas, did you cut the cabbage?
- LukasJa, Hannah, der Kohl ist fertig.Yes, Hannah, the cabbage is ready.
- HannahSuper, dann können wir jetzt kochen.Super, then we can cook now.
- LukasIch helfe dir gerne beim Kochen.I am happy to help you cook.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cabbage” translations and entries Kohl, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kohl, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
