ich ernähre mich glutenfrei
The German phrase for "I am gluten-free" is ich ernähre mich glutenfrei.
This phrase is used to state that a person does not eat foods containing gluten. It is a way to describe a dietary choice or lifestyle.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "I nourish myself gluten-free".
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying Ich bin glutenfrei. While this is a direct translation of the English "I am gluten-free," in German it sounds as if you are claiming that you yourself are made of gluten-free material. To describe your diet, use ich ernähre mich glutenfrei or Ich vertrage kein Gluten (I cannot tolerate gluten), which is a more common way to express a medical intolerance or allergy.
Did you know?
- The German word Gluten is a loanword from Latin, referring to the 'glue' or 'sticky' consistency of the protein found in wheat.
- The word frei in glutenfrei functions similarly to the English 'free' in 'sugar-free', but in other contexts, frei often means 'vacant' or 'available', such as a free seat on a train.
- In a German restaurant, saying Ich vertrage kein Gluten is often more effective than ich ernähre mich glutenfrei because it signals a medical necessity rather than a lifestyle preference.
Examples in context
- Ich bin glutenfrei, also kann ich kein Brot oder Pasta essen.I am gluten-free, so I can't eat bread or pasta.
- Ich bin glutenfrei, daher kann ich kein Bier trinken.I am gluten-free, so I can't have beer.
- Ich habe Zöliakie und muss mich strikt glutenfrei ernähren.I have celiac disease and must adhere to a strictly gluten-free diet.
Example conversation
At a restaurant, Julian is asking the waitress about the menu.
- JulianHaben Sie auch glutenfreie Pasta?Do you also have gluten-free pasta?
- SarahJa, wir haben eine Auswahl für Sie.Yes, we have a selection for you.
- JulianGut, denn ich ernähre mich glutenfrei.Good, because I am gluten-free.
- SarahKein Problem, Julian, ich bringe Ihnen die Karte.No problem, Julian, I will bring you the menu.
