Moosbeere
feminine
The English phrase 'cranberry' is translated into German as Moosbeere. Wiktionary also lists Cranberry and Kranichbeere.
Meaning: berry (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Moosbeere | feminine | |
| Cranberry | /ˈkɹɛmˌbɛɹi/ | feminine |
| Kranichbeere | German, Northern, feminine |
The term refers to the cranberry berry. You will see different terms used depending on whether you are discussing the fruit in a traditional sense or identifying a commercial product.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Moosbeere is a compound of Moos, meaning moss and Beere, meaning berry.
Which one should you use?
Moosbeere is the traditional German name for the fruit. In contrast, the loanword Cranberry is commonly used in German, particularly when referring to commercial products such as juices or dried fruits.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Kranichbeere is a Northern German term for the berry.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using Moosbeere as a modifier for another noun, such as juice, it often takes the connecting '-n-' to form Moosbeerensaft.
Did you know?
- The English word 'cranberry' actually has its roots in Middle Low German. It was later borrowed back into modern German as a loanword.
- The German word Kranichbeere contains the word for 'crane', the bird, rather than 'cranberry'.
- The word Moosbeere literally means 'moss berry'. This refers to the acidic, mossy bogs where the plant naturally grows.
Examples in context
- Im Kühlschrank ist Moosbeerensaft.There is cranberry juice in the fridge.This sentence shows how to use the form Moosbeere when referring to cranberry juice.Tatoeba #986894 by MUIRIEL, translation #935817 by U2FS
- Ich hätte gerne Preiselbeeren in meinem SalatI would like cranberries in my salad
- Können Sie mir Moosbeeren für mein Dessert empfehlen?Could you recommend cranberries for my dessert?
- Ich liebe Kranbeeren im SmoothieI love cranberries in smoothies
- Ich habe ein Glas Preiselbeersaft bestellt.I ordered a glass of cranberry juice.
- Magst du Moosbeeren im Salat?Do you like cranberries in your salad?
- Könntest du bitte Kranbeeren für den Kuchen kaufen?Could you please buy cranberries for the cake?
- Die rote Moosbeere schmeckt sehr sauer.The red cranberry tastes very sour.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are looking at a menu in a cafe.
- FelixWas möchtest du trinken, Laura?What would you like to drink, Laura?
- LauraIch nehme einen Tee mit Moosbeere.I'll have a tea with cranberry.
- FelixDas klingt sehr lecker.That sounds very delicious.
- LauraJa, ich liebe diese Beere.Yes, I love this berry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cranberry” translations and entries Moosbeere, Cranberry, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Cranberry, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
