Kartoffeln
The German word for potatoes is Kartoffeln.
The term refers to the starchy edible tubers that grow underground and are used as a vegetable.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In southern regions such as Bavaria and Austria, you will hear the word Erdäpfel used for potatoes. In Berlin and certain regions of northern Germany, the word Grundbirnen is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is Kartoffel.
Did you know?
- During the 18th century, Frederick the Great famously forced the adoption of Kartoffeln in Prussia by planting a royal field and guarding it with soldiers to trick peasants into stealing the 'valuable' crop.
- The term Kartoffel is sometimes used as a mild, slightly dated slang term for a person who is perceived as being very traditional, provincial or dull.
- A Kartoffelsalat debate is such a cultural touchstone in Germany that the difference between the mayonnaise-based north and the oil-based south is often used as a shorthand for the cultural divide between the two regions.
Examples in context
- Er isst nur Kartoffeln.He only eats potatoes.This sentence shows how to express a dietary preference regarding Kartoffeln.Tatoeba #6635918 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6635678 by Eccles17
- Die Kartoffeln sind alle.There are no potatoes left.This sentence is useful for stating that the supply of Kartoffeln has been exhausted.Tatoeba #10233779 by Yorwba, translation #10245115 by sundown
- Sie schält die Kartoffeln.She is peeling the potatoes.This sentence describes the action of peeling Kartoffeln.Tatoeba #1159457 by Esperantostern, translation #1157290 by belgavox
- Sehr geehrter Herr Müller, könnten Sie bitte einige Kartoffeln für das Abendessen kaufen?Dear Mr. Müller, could you please buy some potatoes for dinner?
- Mama, könnten wir heute Erdäpfel zum Mittagessen haben?Mom, can we have potatoes for lunch today?
- 153 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are grocery shopping together.
- LukasBrauchen wir noch Kartoffeln?Do we still need potatoes?
- HannahJa, bitte nimm einen Sack Kartoffeln.Yes, please take a bag of potatoes.
- LukasSollen wir auch Zwiebeln kaufen?Should we buy onions too?
- HannahNein, die haben wir noch.No, we still have those.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
