saftig
/ˈzaf.t(ʰ)ɪç/
The English word juicy is translated into German as saftig.
saftig is used to describe something containing juice. Much like in English, it can also be used metaphorically to describe a large amount of money, such as ein saftiger Preis (a juicy/hefty price).
Meaning: containing juice (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the noun Saft (juice) plus the suffix -ig, which forms an adjective meaning characterized by.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used before a feminine or plural noun without a definite article, it takes the ending -e, such as in eine saftige Orange. In the accusative masculine singular, it takes the ending -en, such as in einen saftigen Apfel.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈzaf.t(ʰ)ɪç/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In German, the word saftig can describe a person's voice if it is deep, rich and resonant.
- While saftig describes juicy meat, Germans use the word saftig for a cake that is moist and not dry, whereas 'moist' in English can sometimes have a negative connotation.
- The Middle High German ancestor of saftig was often spelled seffic, showing how the vowel and consonant sounds have shifted over many centuries of linguistic evolution.
Examples in context
- Der Apfel ist saftig.The apple is juicy.This sentence is useful for describing an apple as saftig.Tatoeba #5155394 by Esperantostern, translation #13072247 by araneo
- Das Hammelfleisch war saftig.The mutton was juicy.This sentence is useful for describing mutton as saftig.Tatoeba #12484866 by Yorwba, translation #8763694 by deniko
- Der Truthahn war zart und saftig.The turkey was tender and juicy.This sentence is useful for describing a turkey as saftig.Tatoeba #2054643 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2032999 by Spamster
- Die Wassermelone ist sehr saftig.The watermelon is very juicy.
- Das Schnitzel ist immer sehr saftreich hier.The schnitzel is always very juicy here.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Lukas are eating lunch at a restaurant.
- JuliaIst dein Burger saftig?Is your burger juicy?
- LukasJa, er ist sehr saftig.Yes, it is very juicy.
- JuliaDas sieht wirklich gut aus.That looks really good.
- LukasMöchtest du auch mal probieren?Do you want to try some too?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “juicy” translations and entries saftig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries saftig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
