scharf
/ʃarf/
The English phrase 'tangy' can be translated into German using scharf. Wiktionary also lists herb and streng.
Meaning: having a sharp, pungent flavor (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| scharf | /ʃarf/ |
| herb | /hɛrp/ |
| streng | /ʃtʁɛŋ/ |
The term scharf refers to a sharp, pungent flavor. You can use the phrase sehr säuerlich to express the idea of being 'very tangy'.
Which one should you use?
While scharf is a general term for sharp flavors, herb is used to describe a sharp, acidic or slightly bitter taste, which is often a better fit for 'tangy' when describing things like dry wine or citrus. In contrast, streng is a metaphorical use meaning 'sharp' or 'stringent' (such as a strict rule) and is not used to describe food flavors.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃarf/
Did you know?
- In German, the word scharf can be used as a slang term to describe someone who is 'hot' or sexually attractive.
- The word scharf is used in the phrase scharf stellen, which means to 'activate' or 'arm' a device, such as a security alarm.
- The term herb in German is often used to describe the sophisticated, bitter-acidic profile of dark chocolate or dry red wines.
Examples in context
- Die Zitrone schmeckt säuerlich.The lemon tastes tangy.
- Ich mag den pikanten und säuerlichen Geschmack von eingelegtem Gemüse.I like the spicy and tangy taste of pickled vegetables.
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are tasting a new salad dressing.
- LukasProbier mal das Dressing, Sarah.Try the dressing, Sarah.
- SarahOh, es ist ziemlich scharf!Oh, it is quite tangy!
- LukasFindest du es zu stark?Do you find it too strong?
- SarahNein, ich finde es lecker.No, I think it's delicious.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tangy” translations and entries scharf, herb, streng, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
