Essiggurken
In German, the phrase for pickles is Essiggurken.
The term refers to vegetables, typically cucumbers, that have been preserved in vinegar or brine.
What does it mean word for word?
Essiggurken is a compound of Essig (vinegar) and Gurken (cucumbers).
Which one should you use?
While Essiggurken specifically implies preservation in vinegar, Gewürzgurken is a common alternative used to refer to pickles preserved in a spiced brine.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of northern Germany, especially around Berlin, Salzgurken is a common term for pickles.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is Essiggurke.
Did you know?
- German speakers might use the term Gurkenzeit to refer to the slow summer period when there is little news or political activity.
- The word Gurke is a linguistic relative of the English word 'gherkin', which entered English via Dutch and Low German.
- While Essiggurken are common, the traditionally fermented Salzgurken are often sold from wooden barrels at open-air markets in Berlin.
Examples in context
- Ja, ich habe Gewürzgurken gekauft.Yes, I bought pickles.
- Bitte geben Sie mir Essiggurken.Please give me pickles.
- Ich liebe Essiggurken auf meinem Burger.I love pickles on my burger.
- Möchtest du ein Glas Essiggurken kaufen?Do you want to buy a jar of pickles?
- Die Essiggurken sind sehr sauer.The pickles are very sour.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are making sandwiches in the kitchen.
- MaximilianSarah, möchtest du Essiggurken auf deinem Brot?Sarah, would you like pickles on your bread?
- SarahJa, bitte leg zwei Scheiben darauf.Yes, please put two slices on it.
- MaximilianHier sind sie, genau wie du sie magst.Here they are, just how you like them.
- SarahDanke, Maximilian, das schmeckt super!Thanks, Maximilian, that tastes great!
