Kochen
/ˈkɔχən/
In German, the phrase "cooking" is translated as Kochen.
Kochen refers to one's ability to prepare food or the concept of cookery. You may also see the construction am Kochen sein used to express the continuous aspect, such as saying someone "is cooking."
Meaning: one's ability to prepare food, cookery (noun)
Which one should you use?
The capitalized Kochen is the noun meaning "cooking", whereas the lowercase kochen is the verb "to cook".
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a noun meaning "the act of cooking" or "cookery", the word is capitalized and takes the neuter gender: das Kochen.
Did you know?
- The German verb kochen is also used to describe the way water 'boils' or how a liquid 'simmers'.
- German distinguishes between Kochen as the general act and Speisenzubereitung, a highly formal term used in professional catering and legal regulations.
- The word kochen shares an ancient root with the English word 'cook', but both descend from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to boil'.
Examples in context
- Ziri war am Kochen.Ziri was cooking.This sentence shows the use of Kochen in a past continuous context.Tatoeba #10943414 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10207781 by Amastan
- Ziri ist am Kochen.Ziri is cooking.This sentence shows the use of Kochen in a present continuous context.Tatoeba #12084719 by mayabe, translation #10209320 by Amastan
- Ich kann gut kochen.I'm good at cooking.This sentence uses the verb form to describe being good at cooking.Tatoeba #1555747 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1728865 by mookeee
- Das Kochen ist eine Kunst.Cooking is an art.
- Ich habe heute Abend vor zu kochen.I plan to cook tonight.
- Die Zubereitung von Speisen erfordert Geduld und Geschick.The preparation of food requires patience and skill.
- Die richtige Zubereitung von Speisen ist essenziell für ein gelungenes Gericht.Proper cooking is essential for a successful dish.
- Meine Oma hat wirklich großartige Kochkünste!My grandma has truly great cooking skills!
- Ich liebe es zu kochen. Es entspannt mich.I love to cook. It relaxes me.
- Die Kunst des Kochens liegt in der Kombination von Aromen.The art of cooking lies in the combination of flavors.
- Dieses Rezept erfordert spezifische Kochtechniken.This recipe requires specific cooking techniques.
- Viel Spaß beim Kochen!Enjoy cooking!
- 122 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their hobbies in a cafe.
- LauraIst Kochen dein liebstes Hobby?Is cooking your favorite hobby?
- FelixJa, ich liebe es sehr.Yes, I love it very much.
- LauraFelix, du bist ein toller Koch.Felix, you are a great cook.
- FelixDanke, das ist sehr nett von dir.Thank you, that is very kind of you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Kochen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry kochen.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kochen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
