sauer
/ˈzaʊ̯ər/
The English word 'sour' can be translated into German as sauer. Wiktionary also lists herb and säuerlich.
Meaning: having an acidic, sharp or tangy taste (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| sauer | /ˈzaʊ̯ər/ /ˈsaʊ̯ɐ/ |
| herb | /hɛrp/ |
| säuerlich | /zɔɪ̯ɐlɪç/ (Germany) /sɔɪ̯ɐlɪç/ |
The term sauer is a direct translation of the word 'sour' in German and is used to describe something having an acidic, sharp or tangy taste. Beyond taste, the phrase sauer sein is a common way to say one is annoyed or in a bad mood. There are also related terms like Whiskey Sauer, which refers to a drink made with whiskey, lemon or lime juice and sugar or verbs such as sich verschlechtern, schiefgehen and mißlingen which mean to become disenchanted.
Which one should you use?
While sauer describes a strong sour taste, säuerlich is used to describe a mild, subtle or slightly acidic taste. The word herb is also a form used for sourness.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈzaʊ̯ər/.
Did you know?
- The German word herb is a false friend to English speakers, as it describes a sharp, tart flavor profile rather than a leafy plant.
- The German word sauer and the English word 'sour' are cognates, meaning they both descend from the same Proto-Germanic ancestor *sūraz.
- The term Sauerkraut literally translates to 'sour cabbage' and is a staple of German culinary identity.
Examples in context
- Das ist zu sauer.This is too sour.This sentence is useful for describing something that is too sour using sauer.Tatoeba #12730451 by mhr, translation #13059888 by araneo
- Die Zitrone ist sauer.The lemon is sour.This sentence is useful for describing a lemon as sauer.Tatoeba #1085230 by Esperantostern, translation #1079478 by keira_n
- Dieser Saft ist sauer.This juice is sour.This sentence is useful for describing juice as sauer.Tatoeba #9721706 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9719729 by CK
- Ich mag saure Zitrusfrüchte wie Zitronen und Limetten.I like sour citrus fruits like lemons and limes.
- Der Apfel war sehr sauer.The apple was very sour.
- Der alte Mann war grantig und hat alle verscheucht.The old man was sour and scared everyone away.
- 57 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are eating at a restaurant.
- FelixIst die Soße zu sauer?Is the sauce too sour?
- JuliaNein, sie schmeckt perfekt.No, it tastes perfect.
- FelixIch mag es lieber etwas weniger sauer.I prefer it a little less sour.
- JuliaProbier doch mal den Salat.Why don't you try the salad?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sour” translations and entries sauer, herb, säuerlich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries herb, sauer, säuerlich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
