Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| lecker | /ˈlɛkɐ/ |
| deliziös | /deliˈt͡si̯øːs/ |
| köstlich | /ˈkœstlɪç/ |
| schmackhaft |
These words are used to describe food that is pleasing to the taste. While lecker is a versatile and common way to say something is delicious, other options like schmeckt gut literally translate to "tastes good".
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the nuance you wish to convey. lecker is the most common, everyday way to say something is delicious and is used in casual conversation. köstlich carries a stronger sense of being exquisite or highly delightful. deliziös is a high-register term often found in fine dining or food writing, while schmackhaft is a more technical or formal way to describe food as tasty or palatable, often without expressing emotional delight. In very informal settings, you might hear the slang geil to describe something absolutely delicious or the informal term Hammer to express satisfaction with a tasty dish.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, lecker will take various endings (such as leckere or leckeres) depending on the gender of the noun it modifies and its role in the sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlɛkɐ/
Did you know?
- In Germany, calling a person lecker is a flirtatious way to say they are physically attractive.
- Be careful with the slang term geil to describe food. While it can mean 'delicious' in very casual settings, its primary and most common meaning is 'horny' or 'erotic'.
- The common word lecker actually shares its DNA with the English word 'lick'. It originates from a Germanic root meaning to lick, which describes the physical action of enjoying food.
Examples in context
- Der Reis ist lecker.The rice is delicious.This sentence shows how to use lecker to describe the rice.Tatoeba #1933545 by Ennocb, translation #462902 by lukaszpp
- Ist es nicht lecker?Isn't it delicious?This is a question using lecker to ask if something is delicious.Tatoeba #3758777 by Jens_Odo, translation #3738573 by CK
- Das ist aber lecker!That's delicious.This sentence uses lecker to express enthusiasm about something being delicious.Tatoeba #12489660 by mhr, translation #12536221 by sundown
- Das Essen ist wirklich leckerThe food is really delicious
- Der Kuchen schmeckt köstlichThe cake tastes delicious
- Das Restaurant serviert vortreffliche GerichteThe restaurant serves delicious dishes
- Die Pizza gestern war echt geilThe pizza yesterday was really delicious
- Diese Pasta ist der Hammer!This pasta is delicious!
- Der Kuchen schmeckt wirklich gutThe cake tastes really good
- Die Lasagne im italienischen Restaurant war absolut köstlich!The lasagna at the Italian restaurant was absolutely delicious!
- Die Schokoladentorte, die ich selbst gebacken habe, ist unglaublich leckerThe chocolate cake I baked myself is incredibly delicious
- Das ist der beste Braten, den ich je gegessen habe. Einfach vortrefflich!This is the best roast I've ever eaten. Simply delicious!
- Die Eiscreme hier schmeckt so geil, du musst sie unbedingt probieren!The ice cream here tastes so delicious, you must try it!
- Wir waren gestern in einem tollen Restaurant, und das Essen war der Hammer!We went to a great restaurant yesterday, and the food was delicious!
- Die Berliner Currywurst schmeckt wirklich gut, wenn du scharfe Soßen magstThe Berlin Currywurst tastes really good if you like spicy sauces
- 214 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Lukas are eating dinner at home.
- SarahLukas, der Braten ist sehr lecker!Lukas, the roast is very delicious!
- LukasDanke, Sarah, es freut mich.Thanks, Sarah, I am glad.
- SarahHast du das Rezept?Do you have the recipe?
- LukasJa, ich schreibe es dir auf.Yes, I will write it down for you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “delicious” translations and entries lecker, deliziös, köstlich, schmackhaft, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries deliziös, köstlich, lecker, schmackhaft, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
