Vegetarier
/veɡeˈtaːʁiɐ/masculine
In German, the English word "vegetarian" is expressed as Vegetarier.
The noun Vegetarier refers to a person who does not eat any animal flesh. If you are describing a person or a product that is vegetarian, you use the adjective vegetarisch. For products specifically made with non-meat substitutes, you can also use the adjective pflanzlich. Additionally, the adjective fleischlos can be used to describe food that is meatless.
Meaning: person who does not eat any animal flesh (noun)
Which one should you use?
Use the masculine noun Vegetarier for a male vegetarian or for a general group. If you are referring specifically to a female vegetarian, use the feminine form Vegetarierin. Note that while a Vegetarier avoids meat, a Veganer avoids all animal products, including dairy and eggs.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the masculine noun Vegetarier is the same as the singular form. The feminine form of the noun is Vegetarierin.
How do you pronounce it?
/veɡeˈtaːʁiɐ/
Did you know?
- Although Vegetarier is used today, it is actually a linguistic loanword from the English 'vegetarian'.
- When discussing dietary restrictions in Germany, a Vegetarier might be asked if they are Lakto-Ovo-Vegetarier to clarify if they eat dairy and eggs.
- German has a specific word Fleischersatz for meat substitutes, which literally translates to 'meat replacement'.
Examples in context
- Tom ist kein Vegetarier.Tom isn't a vegetarian.This sentence is useful for stating that Tom is not a Vegetarier.Tatoeba #2294163 by Esperantostern, translation #3734744 by CK
- Ich bin kein Vegetarier.I'm not a vegetarian.This sentence is useful for stating that the speaker is not a Vegetarier.Tatoeba #8056127 by Luiaard, translation #3374664 by CK
- Bist du noch Vegetarier?Are you still a vegetarian?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is still a Vegetarier.Tatoeba #10168324 by wolfgangth, translation #6266919 by CK
- Ich bin Vegetarier.I am a vegetarian.
- Bist du Vegetarier?Are you a vegetarian?
- Mein Kollege ist Vegetarier.My colleague is a vegetarian.
- Ich esse nur vegetarisch.I only eat vegetarian food.
- Das Restaurant bietet eine vegetarische Speisekarte an.The restaurant offers a vegetarian menu.
- Vegetarische Produkte sind gesünder.Vegetarian products are healthier.
- Ich bin Vegetarierin.I am a vegetarian (female).
- Ich esse kein FleischI don't eat meat
- Meine Freundin isst kein Fleisch, sie ist Vegetarierin.My friend doesn't eat meat, she is a vegetarian.
- 99 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing dinner plans at a restaurant.
- SarahBist du ein Vegetarier?Are you a vegetarian?
- JulianJa, ich bin Vegetarier.Yes, I am a vegetarian.
- SarahGibt es hier gute Gerichte für einen Vegetarier?Are there good dishes here for a vegetarian?
- JulianJa, die Karte hat viele Optionen.Yes, the menu has many options.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vegetarian” translations and entries Vegetarier, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Vegetarier, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
