Polenta
/poˈlɛnta/feminine
The English word polenta is translated into German as Polenta.
Polenta refers to a starchy accompaniment to a meal.
Meaning: starchy accompaniment to a meal (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Southern Germany, especially in Bavaria, the term Maisbrei is used to mean corn porridge.
How does it change in a sentence?
Polenta is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/poˈlɛnta/
Did you know?
- While Polenta is common in menus, traditional Bavarian Maisbrei was historically seen as a humble peasant food and is often served as a hearty side for roast meats and cabbage.
- In German supermarkets, you may find the term Polenta used specifically for the dry, pre-packaged cornmeal, whereas 'Maisbrei' often refers to the prepared, cooked dish.
- Although Polenta is a feminine noun in German, its Italian root is also feminine, maintaining the same gender across both languages.
Examples in context
- Guten Abend. Ich hätte gerne Maisgrieß als Beilage, bitte.Good evening. I would like corn semolina as a side dish, please.
- Können wir heute Abend Polenta kochen?Can we cook polenta tonight?
- Die Polenta schmeckt sehr gut.The polenta tastes very good.
- Wir essen heute Polenta als Beilage.We are eating polenta as a side dish today.
- Möchtest du etwas Polenta probieren?Would you like to try some polenta?
Example conversation
A couple is having dinner at home.
- MaximilianIch habe Polenta gemacht.I made polenta.
- LauraDas sieht lecker aus, Maximilian.That looks delicious, Maximilian.
- MaximilianMöchtest du ein bisschen davon?Would you like a little bit of it?
- LauraJa, gerne, danke!Yes, please, thank you!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “polenta” translations and entries Polenta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
