Paprika
/ˈpaprika/feminine, masculine
The English phrase "red pepper" translates to German as Paprika.
In relaxed conversations, the term Chili is often used as a catch-all term for any type of spicy pepper.
Meaning: red colored pepper (noun)
Which one should you use?
In German, Paprika refers to the bell pepper vegetable, whereas in English, "paprika" often refers specifically to the ground spice. To specify the color 'red' for the vegetable, use the adjective rote before Paprika.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpaprika/
Did you know?
- The word Paprika shares a common ancestor with the English word 'pepper', tracing back to the Sanskrit word pippali for 'long pepper'.
- German cuisine often uses Paprika as a primary flavoring in 'Goulash', a dish that arrived in Germany via Hungarian influence.
- In German culinary contexts, Paprikapulver refers to the ground spice, whereas Paprika usually refers to the fresh vegetable.
Examples in context
- Ich kaufe roten Pfeffer für das Rezept.I am buying red pepper for the recipe.
- Die rote Paprika gibt dem Gericht eine frische Note.The red pepper adds a fresh flavor to the dish.
- Ich liebe Gerichte mit roter Chili.I love dishes with red chili pepper.
- Könntest du bitte den roten Paprika holen?Could you please get the red pepper?
- Ich möchte eine rote Paprika kaufen.I want to buy a red pepper.
- Die rote Paprika liegt im Kühlschrank.The red pepper is in the refrigerator.
- Schneide bitte die rote Paprika klein.Please chop the red pepper into small pieces.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are preparing a salad in the kitchen.
- MaximilianHast du eine rote Paprika gefunden?Did you find a red pepper?
- SarahJa, die rote Paprika liegt hier auf dem Brett.Yes, the red pepper is lying here on the board.
- MaximilianSuper, ich schneide sie dann sofort.Great, then I will chop it immediately.
- SarahDanke, Maximilian, das hilft mir sehr.Thanks, Maximilian, that helps me a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “red pepper” translations and entries Paprika, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Paprika, CC BY-SA 4.0.
