Gurke
/ˈɡʊrkə/feminine
The English word "cucumber" is translated into German as Gurke. Wiktionary also lists Salatgurke.
Meaning: edible fruit (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gurke | /ˈɡʊrkə/ /ˈɡʊrkɛ/ |
feminine |
| Salatgurke | /zaˈlaːtɡʊʁkə/ /saˈlaːtɡʊʁkɛ/ |
feminine |
The term is used to describe the edible fruit of the cucumber plant. While Gurke can refer to cucumbers in general or even pickled cucumbers, it is the most common way to name the vegetable.
Which one should you use?
Gurke is a general term for any cucumber or pickled cucumber. In contrast, Salatgurke refers specifically to the long, thin variety typically used in salads, often called a garden cucumber.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, pickled cucumbers are referred to as Essiggurken.
How does it change in a sentence?
Gurke is a feminine noun. Its plural form is Gurken, and its genitive singular form is der Gurke.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡʊrkə/
Did you know?
- The term Gurkenzeit refers to the quiet period in late summer when there is very little news for journalists to report.
- German football fans sometimes use the term Gurkenmannschaft to describe a team that plays very poorly.
- While English uses 'cucumber' for the vegetable, the German word Gurke is also used in slang to describe a person who is slightly clumsy or a 'dummy'.
Examples in context
- Ich esse eine Gurke.I am eating a cucumber.This sentence shows how to use Gurke when describing eating a single cucumber.Tatoeba #899808 by Esperantostern, translation #870110 by user
- Ein Pferd frisst keinen Gurkensalat.A horse doesn't eat cucumber salad.This sentence uses Gurke in the context of a cucumber salad.Tatoeba #3967901 by pullnosemans, translation #3970804 by coynejeremy
- Gurken sind mit Wassermelonen verwandt.A cucumber is related to a watermelon.This sentence uses the plural form Gurken to discuss the relationship between cucumbers and watermelons.Tatoeba #9941887 by Laoan, translation #63140 by CN
- Ich hätte gerne eine Gurke in meinem Salat, bitte.I would like a cucumber in my salad, please.
- Könnten Sie mir eine Gurke schneiden?Could you slice me a cucumber?
- Ich hätte gerne frische Gurken aus dem Garten.I would like fresh cucumbers from the garden.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are preparing a salad in the kitchen.
- LauraFelix, ist diese Gurke noch gut?Felix, is this cucumber still good?
- FelixJa, die Gurke sieht sehr gut aus.Yes, the cucumber looks very good.
- LauraSoll ich die Gurke schneiden?Should I cut the cucumber?
- FelixJa, bitte, Laura.Yes, please, Laura.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cucumber” translations and entries Gurke, Salatgurke, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
