scharf
/ʃarf/
The German word for "sharp" is scharf.
scharf describes something that is able to cut easily, such as a blade. In the specific context of food, it is also commonly used to mean spicy or hot.
Meaning: able to cut easily (adj)
Which one should you use?
While English uses 'sharp' primarily for blades or intellect, German uses scharf for both blades and spicy food.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that something is "sharper", use the comparative form schärfer.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃarf/
Did you know?
- When a German says they are scharf auf something, they are expressing a strong craving or desire for it.
- While scharf refers to spicy heat, Germans use the word heiß only for physical temperature, not for the flavor of a pepper.
- In a military context, Scharfschütze refers to a sniper, combining scharf with the word for 'shooter'.
Examples in context
- Er sah scharf aus.He looked sharp.This sentence shows the use of scharf to describe someone's appearance.Tatoeba #10017354 by wolfgangth, translation #8479303 by CH
- Du siehst scharf aus.You look sharp.This sentence demonstrates using scharf to describe someone's appearance.Tatoeba #6645167 by Felixjp, translation #2255049 by CK
- Das Messer ist scharf.The knife is sharp.This sentence illustrates the use of scharf to describe a knife's edge.Tatoeba #8999487 by Luiaard, translation #6116194 by mailohilohi
- Die Messerklinge ist scharf.The knife blade is sharp.
- Das Essen ist mir zu scharf.The food is too spicy for me.
- Das Messer ist an der Spitze sehr scharf.The tip of the knife is very sharp.
- Dein Pulli sieht echt klasse aus!Your sweater looks really sharp/cool!
- Seine Bemerkung war ganz schön steil.His comment was quite sharp/edgy.
- 80 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Julia are in the kitchen preparing a meal.
- JulianIst die Schere scharf?Is the pair of scissors sharp?
- JuliaJa, sie ist sehr scharf.Yes, they are very sharp.
- JulianGut, ich muss das Papier schneiden.Good, I need to cut the paper.
- JuliaPass bitte auf deine Finger auf.Please watch your fingers.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sharp” translations and entries scharf, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
