Döner
/ˈdøːnɐ/
The English phrase "doner" is translated into German as Döner.
Döner refers to a Turkish dish of seasoned meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in a pita or wrap. It is frequently used as shorthand for the full phrase Döner Kebab.
How does it change in a sentence?
When the doner is the direct object of a sentence, the masculine article changes from der to den in the accusative case, as in den Döner. In informal spoken German, the contraction 'nen is used for einen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdøːnɐ/
Did you know?
- While the food is Turkish, the modern 'sandwich' version of the Döner was popularized in West Berlin during the 1970s. It was adapted to be eaten on the go to suit the fast-paced lifestyle of German city dwellers.
- The term 'Döner' comes from the Turkish verb 'dönmek', meaning 'to turn', referring to the rotation of the meat spit.
- Ordering a Döner in Germany usually prompts the vendor to ask mit allem?, meaning 'with everything', which implies a specific standard set of salad and sauces.
Examples in context
- Tom aß einen Döner kebap.Tom ate a doner kebab.This sentence shows how to use the form Döner in a simple sentence.Tatoeba #7327830 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6628123 by Hybrid
- Döner kebap zählt zu den beliebtesten deutschen Schnellimbissen.Doner Kebabs are one of Germany's most popular fast food dishes.This sentence illustrates how Döner is used in the context of popular German fast food.Tatoeba #2581961 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2580921 by Hybrid
- Ich hätte gerne einen Döner, bitte.I would like a döner, please.
- Ich möchte einen Döner bestellen.I would like to order a döner.
- Könnten Sie mir bitte einen Döner geben?Could you please give me a döner?
- Ich will 'nen Döner haben.I want to have a döner.
- Gib mir bitte 'nen Döner!Please give me a döner!
- Einen Döner, bitte.A döner, please.
- Kann ich einen Döner haben?Can I have a döner?
- Ich hätte gerne einen Döner mit scharfer Soße.I would like a döner with spicy sauce.
- Gib mir bitte 'nen Döner mit allem.Please give me a döner with everything.
- Ich möchte einen Döner mit scharfer Sauce.I would like a doner with spicy sauce.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are deciding what to eat for lunch.
- MaximilianHast du Hunger auf einen Döner?Are you in the mood for a doner?
- SarahJa, das klingt sehr gut.Yes, that sounds very good.
- MaximilianSoll ich dir einen mitnehmen?Should I get you one to go?
- SarahBitte, mit viel Salat.Please, with lots of salad.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Döner, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Döner, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
