Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Schweinefleisch | /ˈʃvaɪ̯nəflaɪ̯ʃ/ | neuter |
| Schwein | /ʃvaɪ̯n/ /ʃvaɛ̯n/ |
collective, colloquial, neuter |
| Schweinernes | Austrian, Bavarian, neuter | |
| Schweiners | Bavarian, colloquial, neuter |
The term refers to the meat of a pig. When ordering or discussing specific cuts, you might use terms like Kotelett (chop), Nackensteak (neck steak), Schweinefilet (pork tenderloin), Schweinebauch (pork belly) or Eisbein (pickled or boiled pork knuckle). If you want your meat cooked thoroughly, you can ask for it durchgebraten (well-done).
What does it mean word for word?
Schweinefleisch is a compound noun consisting of Schwein (pig) and Fleisch (meat).
Which one should you use?
While Schwein usually refers to the animal itself, it can also mean 'pork' when used in a culinary context.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using Schwein to refer to the meat is considered colloquial.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austrian and Bavarian dialects, the form Schweinernes is used to refer to pork.
How does it change in a sentence?
All these forms are neuter nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃvaɪ̯nəflaɪ̯ʃ/
Did you know?
- Calling someone a Schwein is a common insult in German, but the phrase Schwein haben means to be incredibly lucky.
- Giving a small plastic pig or a pig-shaped chocolate is a common way to wish someone 'good luck' for the New Year in Germany.
- The English term 'swineflesh' is an archaic relative of the German Schweinefleisch, following the same 'pig-meat' construction.
Examples in context
- Wie oft ißt du Schwein?How often do you eat pork?This sentence shows how to ask about the frequency of eating Schwein.Tatoeba #12544788 by Waldelfe, translation #5285856 by CK
- In Schwein ist viel Fett.Pork has a lot of fat.This sentence notes the fat content in Schwein.Tatoeba #2293969 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2267665 by _undertoad
- Ist das Rind oder Schwein?Is this beef or pork?This sentence is used when distinguishing between beef and Schwein.Tatoeba #8497920 by Luiaard, translation #4013689 by CK
- Das Schweinefleisch ist sehr zart und schmackhaft.The pork is very tender and flavorful.
- Ich hätte gerne einen klassischen Schweinebraten.I would like a traditional pork roast, please.
- 65 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Lukas are grocery shopping in a supermarket.
- SarahLukas, kaufst du das Schweinefleisch für das Abendessen?Lukas, are you buying the pork for dinner?
- LukasJa, ich nehme dieses gute Schweinefleisch hier.Yes, I'll take this good pork here.
- SarahBrauchst du auch noch Gemüse dazu?Do you also need some vegetables with it?
- LukasNein, nur das Fleisch ist heute wichtig.No, only the meat is important today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pork” translations and entries Schweinefleisch, Schwein, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schwein, Schweinefleisch, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
