(paniertes) Schnitzel
neuter
The English phrase "schnitzel" is translated into German as (paniertes) Schnitzel.
Schnitzel refers to a meat dish. In formal contexts, the term Wiener Schnitzel can be used to refer to the traditional Viennese veal schnitzel.
Meaning: a meat dish (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is always capitalized in German because it is a noun. In the genitive case, the word takes an -s ending: des Schnitzels.
Did you know?
- In Austria, the term Wiener Schnitzel is legally protected. By law, a restaurant cannot call a dish a Wiener Schnitzel unless it is made specifically from veal.
- The word 'Schnitzel' is actually a diminutive form of 'Schnitz', meaning a small piece or a slice.
- In German culture, the 'proper' way to eat a Schnitzel is with a slice of lemon, which is squeezed over the meat to cut through the richness of the frying.
Examples in context
- Könnten Sie mir bitte ein Wiener Schnitzel servieren?Could you please serve me a Wiener Schnitzel?
- Ich möchte ein (paniertes) Schnitzel bestellen.I would like to order a breaded schnitzel.
- Möchten Sie ein (paniertes) Schnitzel mit Pommes?Would you like a breaded schnitzel with fries?
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are sitting in a traditional German restaurant.
- FelixWas isst du heute, Sarah?What are you eating today, Sarah?
- SarahIch nehme ein (paniertes) Schnitzel.I'll have a breaded schnitzel.
- FelixGute Wahl, ich esse auch ein Schnitzel.Good choice, I am eating a schnitzel too.
- SarahHoffentlich kommt das Essen bald.I hope the food comes soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “schnitzel” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schnitzel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
