Ways to say it
| German |
|---|
| krustig |
| Krusten- |
The term is used as an adjective to describe something that has a crust. It can also be used as a prefix in compound nouns to describe things related to a crust.
What does it mean word for word?
The adjective krustig is derived from the noun Kruste, which means "crust". The form Krusten- acts as a prefix to create compound nouns related to a crust.
Which one should you use?
The word krustig is the standard adjective, while Krusten- is a combining form used to build more complex words.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective krustig changes its ending depending on the noun it modifies in the nominative and accusative cases: it takes the ending -e for feminine singular nouns in the nominative case (as in krustige), the ending -es for neuter singular nouns in the nominative case (as in krustiges) and the ending -en for masculine singular nouns in the accusative case (as in krustigen).
Did you know?
- While krustig describes a physical crust, Germans use knusprig to describe 'crusty' food that is appetisingly crunchy. Using krustig for a fresh baguette might sound like it is too hard or burnt.
- The term Kruste is also used in medical contexts to describe a scab, making krustig a common descriptor for healing skin wounds.
- German makes a strict linguistic distinction between the general 'crust' of a bread Kruste and the 'heel' or end piece of the loaf, which is called the Kanten.
Examples in context
- Ich liebe knusprige Brötchen zum Frühstück.I love crusty rolls for breakfast.
- Die Wunde sieht etwas krustig aus.The wound looks a bit crusty.
- Das Brot hat eine krustige Oberfläche.The bread has a crusty surface.
- Die alte Salbe hinterließ eine krustige Schicht.The old ointment left a crusty layer.
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are eating breakfast together.
- HannahProbiere mal dieses krustige Brot!Try this crusty bread!
- JulianDas sieht wirklich lecker aus.That looks really delicious.
- HannahEs ist frisch vom Bäcker.It is fresh from the bakery.
- JulianDanke, Hannah, ich nehme ein Stück.Thanks, Hannah, I'll take a piece.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “crusty” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
