Schalentier
neuter
The English phrase shellfish translates to German as Schalentier. If unsure, use Schalentier. Wiktionary also lists Krustentier.
Meaning: aquatic food that has a shell (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Schalentier | neuter | |
| Krustentier | /ˈkʁʊstn̩ˌtiːɐ/ /ˈkʁʊstənˌtiːɐ/ |
neuter |
The term refers to aquatic food that has a shell.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Schalentier is a compound of Schale (shell) and Tier (animal), literally meaning "shell animal".
Which one should you use?
Schalentier is a general term for any shelled aquatic animal. In contrast, Krustentier specifically refers to crustaceans like crabs, lobsters and shrimp.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Schalentier is Schalentiere. The plural form of Krustentier is Krustentiere.
Did you know?
- While Schalentier covers shells in general, Germans often use the word Meeresfrüchte (sea fruits) on menus to describe a mixed platter of shellfish and calamari.
- The word Krustentier shares a root with Kruste, which is the same word Germans use for the crunchy 'crust' of a loaf of bread.
- In Northern Germany, you will often see Fischbrötchen (fish rolls) served with Krustentiere like North Sea shrimp, which are a regional delicacy.
Examples in context
- Enthielt Ihre letzte Mahlzeit Früchte, Nüsse, Eier oder Schalentiere?Did your last meal contain fruit, nuts, eggs, or shellfish?This sentence is useful for asking if a recent meal contained Schalentier.Tatoeba #10111553 by driini, translation #9982129 by NurseMeeks
- Zu den Schalen- und Krustentieren werden verschiedene Arten von essbaren Weichtieren, Krebstieren und Stachelhäutern gezählt.Shellfish include various species of edible molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms.This sentence is useful for describing how different species are categorized under Krustentier.
- Guten Abend, ich würde gerne Meeresfrüchte bestellen, bitte.Good evening, I would like to order shellfish, please.
- Hast du Muscheln für das Abendessen besorgt?Did you get mussels for dinner?
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are looking at a restaurant menu.
- FelixMöchtest du das Schalentier-Platten-Set bestellen?Would you like to order the shellfish platter set?
- SarahNein, ich mag kein Schalentier.No, I don't like shellfish.
- FelixDas ist schade, es ist sehr frisch.That's a pity, it is very fresh.
- SarahIch nehme lieber den Fisch, Felix.I'll take the fish instead, Felix.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shellfish” translations and entries Schalentier, Krustentier, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
