lecker
/ˈlɛkɐ/
The German word for yummy is lecker. Wiktionary also lists köstlich and schmackhaft.
Meaning: delicious (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| lecker | /ˈlɛkɐ/ |
| köstlich | /ˈkœstlɪç/ |
| schmackhaft |
While English speakers might use "yummy" to describe things like a "yummy smell," in German, lecker is primarily used for food and drink.
Which one should you use?
lecker is the most common, everyday way to say something is yummy or tasty. köstlich is more formal and carries a stronger sense of being delicious or exquisite than lecker. schmackhaft is a more technical or formal term often used in written descriptions or more sophisticated contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria, Des is fei guad! Means That is really good!
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlɛkɐ/
Did you know?
- In some German dialects, lecker can be used ironically to describe something visually appealing but not edible, such as a fancy car.
- In South Africa, the word lekker (derived from German and Dutch) has evolved to mean 'great' or 'cool' in a general sense, far beyond just food.
- The word lecker is actually a distant relative of the English word 'lick', as both originate from a root meaning 'to lick'.
Examples in context
- Der Reis ist lecker.The rice is yummy.This sentence shows how to describe rice using lecker.Tatoeba #1933545 by Ennocb, translation #2590434 by VirtuOZ
- Das Obst ist lecker.The fruit is yummy.This sentence shows how to describe fruit using lecker.Tatoeba #8320514 by MisterTrouser, translation #12807496 by rul
- Das sieht aber köstlich aus. Das möchte ich gern probieren!Now, that looks yummy. I'd like to try it.This sentence shows how to express that something looks delicious using köstlich.Tatoeba #8635521 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8635569 by CM
- Das Essen ist vorzüglich!The food is excellent!
- Das schmeckt richtig lecker!That tastes really yummy!
- Das ist echt gut!That is really good!
- Das Essen ist der Hammer!The food is amazing!
- Boah, ist das lecker!Wow, this is yummy!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Lukas are eating lunch together at a cafe.
- SarahWie schmeckt dir dein Salat, Lukas?How does your salad taste, Lukas?
- LukasEr ist wirklich sehr lecker.It is really very delicious.
- SarahDas freut mich, denn er sieht auch lecker aus.I'm glad, because it looks delicious too.
- LukasJa, du hast recht, er ist fantastisch.Yes, you are right, it is fantastic.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yummy” translations and entries lecker, köstlich, schmackhaft, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries köstlich, lecker, schmackhaft, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
