knackig
/ˈknakɪç/
The German word for crisp is knackig.
knackig is used to describe something with a consistency that is hard yet brittle and prone to breaking with a sharp fracture. In a colloquial sense, it can also be used to describe a person as being fit or toned.
Meaning: having a consistency which is hard yet brittle, and in a condition to break with a sharp fracture (adj)
Which one should you use?
While knackig refers to a texture that snaps or breaks, such as a fresh carrot, the term knusprig is more common for food that is crispy or crunchy because it has been fried or baked, such as a potato chip.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈknakɪç/
Did you know?
- In a figurative sense, knackig can be used to describe a piece of writing or a summary that is concise and punchy.
- The term knackig can be used to describe a 'snappy' or 'sharp' rhythm in music or poetry, mirroring how English uses 'crisp' to describe sounds.
- The word knackig comes from the verb knacken, which is an onomatopoeia mimicking the actual sound of something snapping.
Examples in context
- Die knackige Textur von Kaumägen gefällt mir sehr.I really like the crisp texture of gizzards.This sentence shows how to use knackig when describing the texture of food.Tatoeba #11760797 by Yorwba, translation #2674294 by WestofEden
- Das Brot ist knusprig.The bread is crisp.
- Die Pommes sind schön kross.The fries are nice and crispy.
- Die Salatgurke ist sehr knackig.The cucumber is very crisp.
- Ich mag knackiges Gemüse zum Frühstück.I like crisp vegetables for breakfast.
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are eating a snack together.
- LauraProbier mal diese Karotte, sie ist so knackig!Try this carrot, it is so crisp!
- JulianOh ja, die schmeckt sehr frisch.Oh yes, it tastes very fresh.
- LauraIch liebe alles, was knackig ist.I love everything that is crisp.
- JulianDas kann ich gut verstehen, Laura.I can understand that, Laura.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry knackig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries knackig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
