Wiener Schnitzel
Wiener Schnitzel is the German phrase for veal cutlet.
The term refers specifically to a breaded cutlet made from veal. While the word Schnitzel can refer to any type of cutlet, the name Wiener Schnitzel is reserved for the version prepared with veal.
Meaning: veal cutlet (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of Wiener, meaning 'from Vienna' and Schnitzel, meaning 'cutlet'.
Which one should you use?
Schnitzel is a general term for a cutlet, whereas Wiener Schnitzel specifically denotes the version made from veal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Bavarian dialect, Schnitzl is used instead of Schnitzel.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Wiener is an adjective derived from the city name 'Wien' (Vienna) and does not take an ending in this specific fixed phrase.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use Wiener Schnitzel to refer to any breaded meat cutlet. However, in German-speaking culinary contexts, the name strictly implies the use of veal.
Did you know?
- In Austria, the term Wiener Schnitzel is legally protected, meaning restaurants cannot use the name if the meat is not veal.
- The word Schnitzel is a diminutive form of Schnitz, which refers to a small piece of wood carved away from a larger block.
- A traditional Wiener Schnitzel should be 'souffléd', meaning the breading should puff up and form bubbles away from the meat during frying.
Examples in context
- Jeden Donnerstag gibt es in der Kantine Wiener Schnitzel.There's Wiener Schnitzel in the canteen every Thursday.This sentence shows the use of Wiener Schnitzel in the context of a canteen menu.Tatoeba #8653730 by Melang, translation #9096763 by sundown
- Entschuldigen Sie, ich möchte ein Wiener Schnitzel bestellen, bitte.Excuse me, I would like to order a Wiener Schnitzel, please.
- Ein Wiener Schnitzel, bitteA Wiener Schnitzel, please.
- Kann ich bitte ein Wiener Schnitzel haben?Can I please have a Wiener Schnitzel?
- Ich möchte heute ein Wiener Schnitzel bestellen.I would like to order a Wiener Schnitzel today.
- Das Wiener Schnitzel schmeckt wirklich hervorragend.The Wiener Schnitzel tastes truly excellent.
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are looking at a menu in a restaurant.
- LauraWas möchtest du essen, Julian?What would you like to eat, Julian?
- JulianIch nehme ein Wiener Schnitzel mit Pommes.I'll have a Wiener Schnitzel with fries.
- LauraDas klingt gut, das nehme ich auch.That sounds good, I'll have that too.
- JulianSuper, dann bestellen wir jetzt.Great, then we'll order now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wiener schnitzel” translations and entries Wiener Schnitzel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schnitzel, Wiener, Wiener Schnitzel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
