Johannisbeere
/joˈhanɪsˌbeːrə/feminine
The English word "currant" can be translated into German as Johannisbeere. If unsure, use Johannisbeere. Wiktionary also lists Ribisel.
Meaning: fruit of the genus Ribes (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Johannisbeere | /joˈhanɪsˌbeːrə/ | feminine |
| Ribisel | /ˈʁiːbiːzəl/ /ˈʁiːbiːzl̩/ (standard) |
feminine |
The term refers to the fruit of the genus Ribes. You can specify the type of currant by using schwarze Johannisbeere for black currant or rote Johannisbeere for red currant.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Ribisel is mainly used in southern Germany, Austria and parts of Switzerland.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Johannisbeere is Johannisbeeren, and the plural of Ribisel is Ribiseln. Both words are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/joˈhanɪsˌbeːrə/
Did you know?
- The word Ribisel has a much longer journey than the German-sounding Johannisbeere. It actually traces its roots back to Arabic through Medieval Latin.
- The naming of Johannisbeere follows a pattern in German where certain plants are named after the saints' days during which they bloom or ripen.
- Black currants, or schwarze Johannisbeeren, are so culturally significant in Central Europe that they are often used as a primary flavor in traditional syrups and liqueurs rather than just fresh fruit.
Examples in context
- Heute habe ich eine Flasche schwarzen Ribiseldicksaft gekauft.I bought a bottle of black currant syrup today.This sentence shows how to use Ribisel when talking about black currant syrup.Tatoeba #6582931 by brauchinet, translation #6582760 by Eccles17
- In meinem Garten habe ich viele Johannisbeersträucher.In my garden, I have many currant bushes.
- In diesem Kuchen sind echte Korinthen enthalten.This cake contains real currants.
- Könntest du bitte Ribisel für den Obstsalat kaufen?Could you please buy some currants for the fruit salad?
- Die rote Johannisbeere ist sehr sauer.The red currant is very sour.
- Möchtest du eine frische Johannisbeere probieren?Would you like to try a fresh currant?
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are baking a cake together.
- LukasSoll ich eine Johannisbeere in den Teig geben?Should I put a currant in the batter?
- HannahJa, Lukas, das schmeckt bestimmt gut.Yes, Lukas, that will surely taste good.
- LukasWo ist die Johannisbeere in der Küche?Where is the currant in the kitchen?
- HannahSie liegt dort im Kühlschrank, Lukas.It is right there in the fridge, Lukas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “currant” translations and entries Johannisbeere, Ribisel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Johannisbeere, Ribisel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
