Pfeffer
/ˈpfɛfɐ/masculine
The English word "pepper" is translated into German as Pfeffer.
Pfeffer is the term for the spice, and it specifically refers to black pepper. Note that if you are referring to a bell pepper, you should use the word Paprika instead.
Meaning: spice (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Swabia region of southern Germany, the term Bibber is used to refer to pepper.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Pfeffer is a masculine noun and is used with the definite article der. As a noun, it is always capitalized.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpfɛfɐ/
Did you know?
- The word Pfeffer is used in the colloquial expression Pfeffer geben, which means to accelerate or hurry up, similar to the English phrase 'step on it'.
- In some historical German contexts, Pfeffer was treated more like a precious metal or currency due to its high value in the spice trade.
- If a German describes a person as pfeffrig, they are calling them spicy or fiery in temperament, often meaning they are short-tempered or spirited.
Examples in context
- Möchtest du etwas Pfeffer?Do you want some pepper?This example shows how to offer someone Pfeffer.Tatoeba #10031910 by Melang, translation #7737849 by CK
- Zwei Gramm Pfeffer genügen.Two grams of pepper will do.This example is useful for specifying a quantity of Pfeffer.Tatoeba #4963597 by Manfredo, translation #8585203 by sundown
- Tu noch etwas Pfeffer hinein.Add a little more pepper.This example shows how to suggest adding more Pfeffer to something.Tatoeba #604021 by BraveSentry, translation #31307 by CK
- Könnten Sie mir bitte etwas Pfeffer geben?Could you please pass me some pepper?
- 55 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are cooking dinner in their kitchen.
- LukasFehlt noch etwas Pfeffer?Is some pepper missing?
- LauraJa, gib bitte noch etwas Pfeffer dazu.Yes, please add some more pepper.
- LukasIst der Pfeffer scharf genug?Is the pepper spicy enough?
- LauraJa, das passt so.Yes, it is fine like that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pepper” translations and entries Pfeffer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
