Wiener Würstchen
The English phrase "weiner" is translated into German as Wiener Würstchen.
The term refers to a specific type of long, thin sausage.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Wiener, which is an adjective meaning "Viennese" (from the city of Wien) and Würstchen, which is the diminutive form of Wurst (sausage), meaning "little sausage".
Did you know?
- In Austria, the birthplace of the sausage, people rarely call it a Wiener and instead refer to it as a Frankfurter.
- In Germany, the name Wiener is not just a description but a protected legal term for sausages meeting specific production standards.
- Because the diminutive -chen is used in Würstchen, the sausage is grammatically neuter, even though the base word Wurst is feminine.
Examples in context
- Ich möchte zwei Wiener Würstchen essen.I would like to eat two Wiener Würstchen.
- Sind die Wiener Würstchen schon fertig?Are the Wiener Würstchen ready yet?
- Wir kaufen heute Wiener Würstchen für die Party.We are buying Wiener Würstchen for the party today.
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are deciding what to eat for lunch.
- JulianHast du Lust auf Wiener Würstchen?Do you feel like having Wiener Würstchen?
- LauraJa, das klingt super, Julian.Yes, that sounds great, Julian.
- JulianIch koche sie schnell im Wasser.I will boil them quickly in water.
- LauraIch hole den Senf aus dem Kühlschrank.I'll get the mustard from the fridge.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Wiener, Wiener Würstchen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
