Portion
/pɔrˈtsjoːn/feminine
In German, serving can be translated as Portion or Gang.
Meaning: portion of food (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Portion | /pɔrˈtsjoːn/ | feminine |
| Gang | /ɡaŋ/ /ɡɛŋ/ |
masculine |
Portion is the standard word used when discussing the quantity of a single food item or a single helping.
Which one should you use?
While Portion refers to the amount of food on a plate, Gang refers to a specific course in a multi-course meal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Portion is Portionen, and the plural of Gang is Gänge.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɔrˈtsjoːn/
Did you know?
- The German word Gang is a cognate of the English word 'gang'. While the English word now usually refers to a group of people, both originally came from a root meaning 'a way' or 'a going'.
- The plural Gänge is used not just for food courses, but also for the various gears or 'steps' in a mechanical process or machine.
- In some German dialects, the size of a Portion is described as ordentlich, meaning 'proper' or 'tidy'. This implies the serving is generously sized rather than just correct.
Examples in context
- Möchten Sie noch eine Portion?Would you like another serving?This sentence is useful for asking if someone would like another serving of the Portion.Tatoeba #2136958 by BraveSentry, translation #1495772 by CK
- Möchtest du noch eine Portion?Would you like a second serving?This sentence is useful for asking if someone would like a second serving of the Portion.Tatoeba #5316097 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5306662 by CK
- Maria nahm sich noch eine Portion Kartoffelbrei.Mary helped herself to another serving of mashed potatoes.This sentence is useful for describing someone helping themselves to another serving of mashed potatoes using the word Portion.Tatoeba #13733833 by Waldelfe, translation #6409011 by CF
- Die Bedienung in diesem Restaurant ist exzellent.The service in this restaurant is excellent.
- Kannst du bitte die Gäste bedienen?Can you please serve the guests?
- Wer kann das Essen servieren?Who can serve the food?
- Der Kellner trägt das Essen aus.The waiter serves the food.
- Kannst du mir bitte das Salz anreichen?Can you please pass me the salt?
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is eating dinner at home.
- MaximilianIst die Portion groß genug für dich?Is the serving big enough for you?
- SarahJa, eine Portion ist wirklich sehr viel.Yes, one serving is really a lot.
- MaximilianSoll ich dir noch etwas geben?Should I give you some more?
- SarahNein danke, ich bin schon satt.No thanks, I am already full.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “serving” translations and entries Portion, Gang, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Gang, Portion, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
