Trockenfleisch
neuter
The English phrase "jerky" can be translated into German as Trockenfleisch. Wiktionary also lists Dörrfleisch.
Meaning: Lean meat cured and preserved by cutting into thin strips and air-drying in the sun (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Trockenfleisch | neuter | |
| Dörrfleisch | /ˈdœrflaɪ̯ʃ/ | neuter |
Both Trockenfleisch and Dörrfleisch refer to lean meat that has been preserved by being cut into thin strips and air-dried. For the adjective "jerking" (referring to physical movement), the German word is zuckend.
What does it mean word for word?
Trockenfleisch is a compound of trocken (dry) and Fleisch (meat). Dörrfleisch is a compound of dürr (dried or withered) and Fleisch (meat).
Which one should you use?
Trockenfleisch is a general term for any dried meat. In contrast, Dörrfleisch is a more precise term for traditional cured jerky, as it implies meat that has undergone a specific drying process, such as air-drying or smoking, rather than just describing meat that is dry in texture.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both Trockenfleisch and Dörrfleisch are neuter nouns.
Did you know?
- In German, the word 'dürr' used in 'Dörrfleisch' can carry a slightly negative connotation of being 'scrawny' or 'emaciated' when applied to people.
- In a culinary context, you might encounter 'Landjäger', a type of dried meat snack that is similar to jerky but shaped into a thick, portable sausage.
- The term Trockenfleisch is often used by butchers, whereas a person shopping at a modern supermarket might specifically look for 'Beef Jerky' written in English on the packaging.
Examples in context
- Ich habe gestern Trockenfleisch gekauft.I bought some jerky yesterday.
- Hast du schon mal Beef Jerky probiert?Have you ever tried beef jerky?
- Dieses Trockenfleisch schmeckt sehr würzig.This jerky tastes very spicy.
- Ich kaufe oft Trockenfleisch als Snack.I often buy jerky as a snack.
- Möchtest du etwas Trockenfleisch probieren?Would you like to try some jerky?
Example conversation
Two friends are hiking in the mountains.
- MaximilianHast du etwas Trockenfleisch für die Wanderung dabei?Do you have some jerky with you for the hike?
- JuliaJa, ich habe eine Packung in meinem Rucksack.Yes, I have a pack in my backpack.
- MaximilianDas ist perfekt, ich habe großen Hunger.That is perfect, I am very hungry.
- JuliaDann teilen wir uns das Trockenfleisch einfach.Then let's just share the jerky.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jerky” translations and entries Dörrfleisch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
