Hackbraten
/ˈhakˌbʁaːtən/masculine
The English phrase meatloaf is translated into German as Hackbraten. Wiktionary also lists falscher Hase and faschierter Braten.
Meaning: mixture of ground meat (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hackbraten | /ˈhakˌbʁaːtən/ | masculine |
| falscher Hase | masculine | |
| faschierter Braten | masculine, regional | |
| Heuchelhase | masculine | |
| Wiegebraten | masculine |
The term refers to a mixture of ground meat.
What does it mean word for word?
Hackbraten is a compound word consisting of Hacken, meaning to chop or mince and Braten, meaning roast.
Which one should you use?
Hackbraten is a descriptive term for the dish. In contrast, falscher Hase is a common idiomatic name for meatloaf, which translates to 'false hare'. This idiom implies the dish is a 'fake' meat dish, a term historically used when actual meat was expensive.
Is it said differently in some regions?
faschierter Braten is a regional term used specifically in Austria and parts of Southern Germany.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using Hackbraten in the genitive case to show possession, such as saying 'meatloaf's', the word changes to Hackbratens.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈhakˌbʁaːtən/
Did you know?
- While 'meatloaf' is a simple description in English, the German term Heuchelhase literally translates to 'hypocrite hare'.
- The verb hacken in Hackbraten means to chop, but in modern German, it is also used for 'hacking' into a computer system.
- The word Hase, used in phrases like falscher Hase, originates from an Indo-European root that simply meant 'grey'.
Examples in context
- Kannst du mir dein Hackbratenrezept schicken?Can you send me your meatloaf recipe?This sentence is useful for asking for a recipe for Hackbraten.Tatoeba #13517696 by Waldelfe, translation #10109817 by ddnktr
- Der Hackbraten meiner Mutter hat auf dem Jahrmarkt den ersten Preis gewonnen.My mother's meatloaf won first place in the county fair.This sentence is useful for mentioning a prize won by a Hackbraten.Tatoeba #13574457 by Waldelfe, translation #12874281 by Teangloir
- Zu Mittag werde ich Hackbraten mit Kartoffelpüree und Gemüse essen.For lunch, I will have meatloaf with mashed potatoes and vegetables.
- Am Sonntag bereiten wir einen traditionellen Falschen Hasen zu.On Sunday, we'll prepare a traditional meatloaf.
- Der Hackbraten schmeckt heute sehr saftig.The meatloaf tastes very juicy today.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are eating dinner at home.
- LukasWie schmeckt dir der Hackbraten?How do you like the meatloaf?
- HannahEr ist wirklich lecker, Lukas.It is really delicious, Lukas.
- LukasSoll ich dir noch etwas geben?Should I give you some more?
- HannahNein danke, ich bin satt.No thanks, I am full.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “meatloaf” translations and entries Hackbraten, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Braten, Hackbraten, Hase, braten, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
