Shopping vocabulary in German
- Einkaufen Shopping
- Supermarkt Supermarket
- Lebensmittelgeschäft Grocery Store
- Kaufhaus Department Store
- Kassierer / Kassiererin Cashier
- Einkaufswagen Shopping Cart
- Korb Basket
- Gang Aisle
- Regal Shelf
- Produkt Product
- Marke Brand
- Preis Price
- Rabatt / Preisnachlass Discount
- Ausverkauf / Sale Sale
- Quittung Receipt
- Bargeld Cash
- Kreditkarte Credit Card
- EC-Karte / Bankkarte Debit Card
- Einkaufsliste Shopping List
- Strichcode Barcode
- Umtausch Exchange
- Rückgabe Return
- Erstattung Refund
- Kundenservice Customer Service
- Öffnungszeiten Opening Hours
- Ladenschluss Closing Time
- Eingang Entrance
- Ausgang Exit
- Tüte / Tasche Bag
- Einkaufswagen Trolley
- Kasse Checkout
- Kasse Cash Register
- Auslage / Vitrine Display
- Fisch Fish
- Lachs Salmon
- Thunfisch Tuna
- Garnelen Shrimp
- Krabben Crab
- Hummer Lobster
- Muscheln Mussels
- Austern Oysters
- Venusmuscheln Clams
- Tintenfisch Squid
- Krake Octopus
- Rindfleisch Beef
- Steak Steak
- Schweinefleisch Pork
- Speck Bacon
- Schinken Ham
- Wurst Sausage
- Bratwurst Bratwurst
- Frankfurter Frankfurter
- Leberwurst Liverwurst
- Schnitzel Schnitzel
- Kalbfleisch Veal
- Lammfleisch Lamb
- Geflügel Poultry
- Ente Duck
- Gans Goose
- Truthahn Turkey
- Kaninchen Rabbit
- Wildfleisch Venison
- Früchte Fruits
- Apfel Apple
- Banane Banana
- Orange Orange
- Zitrone Lemon
- Limette Lime
- Grapefruit Grapefruit
- Ananas Pineapple
- Mango Mango
- Papaya Papaya
- Kiwi Kiwi
- Beeren Berries
- Erdbeere Strawberry
- Himbeere Raspberry
- Blaubeere Blueberry
- Brombeere Blackberry
- Gemüse Vegetables
- Kartoffel Potato
- Süßkartoffel Sweet Potato
- Tomate Tomato
- Gurke Cucumber
- Paprika Bell Pepper
- Karotte Carrot
- Zwiebel Onion
- Knoblauch Garlic
- Sellerie Celery
- Salat Lettuce
- Spinat Spinach
- Brokkoli Broccoli
- Blumenkohl Cauliflower
- Zucchini Zucchini
- Aubergine Eggplant
- Grüne Bohnen Green Beans
- Erbsen Peas
- Mais Corn
- Spargel Asparagus
- Pilze Mushrooms
- Kräuter Herbs
- Basilikum Basil
- Petersilie Parsley
- Dill Dill
- Thymian Thyme
- Rosmarin Rosemary
- Getränke Beverages
- Wasser Water
- Sprudelwasser Sparkling Water
- Stilles Wasser Still Water
- Saft Juice
- Orangensaft Orange Juice
- Apfelsaft Apple Juice
- Traubensaft Grape Juice
- Limonaden Soft Drinks
- Cola Cola
- Limonade Lemonade
- Energydrink Energy Drink
- Bier Beer
- Lagerbier Lager
- Pilsner Pilsner
- Weizenbier Wheat Beer
- Dunkles Bier Dark Beer
- Wein Wine
- Rotwein Red Wine
- Weißwein White Wine
- Roséwein Rosé Wine
- Sekt Sparkling Wine
- Champagner Champagne
- Spirituosen Spirits
- Wodka Vodka
- Gin Gin
- Rum Rum
- Whisky Whiskey
- Tequila Tequila
- Weinbrand Brandy
- Likör Liqueur
- Wermut Vermouth
- Cognac Cognac
- Haushaltsartikel Household Items
- Toilettenpapier Toilet Paper
- Küchenrollen Paper Towels
- Reinigungsmittel Cleaning Supplies
- Waschmittel Laundry Detergent
- Geschirrspülmittel Dish Soap
- Müllbeutel Trash Bags
- Alufolie Aluminum Foil
- Gefrierbeutel Ziploc Bags
- Batterien Batteries
Mastering Grocery Shopping in Germany
If you're planning to spend time in Germany, mastering grocery shopping vocabulary is essential. This tutorial will help you navigate German supermarkets, understand food labels, and communicate effectively with store staff. Let’s start by exploring some key differences in German supermarkets.
Key Differences in German Supermarkets
Store Size German grocery stores are often smaller than American ones, although large chain supermarkets are becoming more common.
Bags You need to pay for grocery bags or bring your own. They are not provided for free.
Bagging Groceries In Germany, you have to bag your own groceries.
Glass Bottle Deposit Glass bottles come with a deposit, which is added to your total at checkout. You can return the bottles later to get your deposit back.
Tax Tax is included in the price of items, unlike in the US where it is added at the end.
Shopping Cart Deposit Many stores require a coin deposit for using a shopping cart. Insert a coin into the cart handle to release it. Return the cart to get your coin back.
Store Hours While store hours are becoming longer, 24-hour grocery stores are still rare. Many stores are also closed on Sundays.
Essential Vocabulary for Grocery Shopping
Places/Areas in the Grocery Store
English |
German |
Pronunciation |
Bakery |
Bäckerei |
BEK-er-eye |
Butcher |
Metzgerei |
METS-ger-eye |
Dairy |
Molkerei |
MOL-ker-eye |
Produce |
Obst und Gemüse |
OHBST oont ge-MUE-se |
Checkout |
Kasse |
KA-se |
Aisle |
Gang |
GAHNG |
Entrance |
Eingang |
EYN-gahng |
Exit |
Ausgang |
OWS-gahng |
Basic Grocery Items in German
Knowing the names of basic grocery items in German can make your shopping experience smoother. Here’s a handy guide to essential grocery items, including their German translations and pronunciations.
Vegetables and fruits section in German
Common Fruits
Apples are a popular fruit in Germany and come in many varieties.
English |
German |
Pronunciation |
Apple |
Apfel |
AH-pfel |
Green Apple |
Grüner Apfel |
GRUE-ner AH-pfel |
Red Apple |
Roter Apfel |
ROH-ter AH-pfel |
Bananas are widely available and a favorite for many.
English |
German |
Pronunciation |
Banana |
Banane |
bah-NAH-nuh |
Berries are commonly used in desserts and snacks.
English |
German |
Pronunciation |
Strawberry |
Erdbeere |
ERT-beh-reh |
Raspberry |
Himbeere |
HIM-beh-reh |
Blueberry |
Blaubeere |
BLAU-beh-reh |
Common Vegetables
Carrots are versatile and used in many dishes.
English |
German |
Pronunciation |
Carrot |
Karotte |
kah-ROT-tuh |
Baby Carrot |
Babykarotte |
BEY-bee kah-ROT-tuh |
Potatoes are a staple in German cuisine.
English |
German |
Pronunciation |
Potato |
Kartoffel |
kar-TOH-fel |
Sweet Potato |
Süßkartoffel |
SUESS-kar-TOH-fel |
Tomatoes are used in salads, sauces, and many other dishes.
English |
German |
Pronunciation |
Tomato |
Tomate |
toh-MAH-tuh |
Cherry Tomato |
Cherrytomate |
CHER-ree toh-MAH-tuh |
Dairy Products
English |
German |
Pronunciation |
Milk |
Milch |
MILKH |
Cheese |
Käse |
KEH-ze |
Butter |
Butter |
BOO-ter |
Yogurt |
Joghurt |
YOH-goort |
Cream |
Sahne |
ZAH-nuh |
Meat section in German
Understanding the names of different meats in German can make shopping and ordering easier. Here’s a guide to common meats, their German names, and pronunciations.
Common Meats
Chicken is a versatile and widely used meat.
English |
German |
Pronunciation |
Chicken |
Hähnchen |
HAYN-chen |
Chicken Breast |
Hähnchenbrust |
HAYN-chen-broost |
Chicken Thigh |
Hähnchenschenkel |
HAYN-chen-SHEN-kel |
Beef is a staple in many dishes.
English |
German |
Pronunciation |
Beef |
Rindfleisch |
RIND-flysh |
Steak |
Steak |
STAYK |
Ground Beef |
Hackfleisch |
HAHK-flysh |
Pork is popular in German cuisine.
English |
German |
Pronunciation |
Pork |
Schweinefleisch |
SHVY-neh-flysh |
Bacon |
Speck |
SHPEK |
Pork Chop |
Schweinekotelett |
SHVY-neh-KOT-let |
Specialty Meats
Sausage
Germany is known for its variety of sausages.
English |
German |
Pronunciation |
Sausage |
Wurst |
VOORST |
Bratwurst |
Bratwurst |
BRAHT-voorst |
Frankfurter |
Frankfurter |
FRANK-foort-er |
Ham is used in many German dishes and sandwiches.
English |
German |
Pronunciation |
Ham |
Schinken |
SHINK-en |
Smoked Ham |
Räucherschinken |
ROY-cher-SHINK-en |
Cooked Ham |
Kochschinken |
KOCH-SHINK-en |
Bakery Items in German
When shopping in a German bakery section, knowing the names of various items can help you find what you need. Here’s a guide to common bakery items, their German names, and pronunciations.
Common Bakery Items
Bread is a staple in German cuisine, and you will find a variety of types in the bakery section.
English |
German |
Pronunciation |
Bread |
Brot |
BROHT |
Whole Wheat Bread |
Vollkornbrot |
FOHL-korn-broht |
Rye Bread |
Roggenbrot |
ROH-gen-broht |
Rolls or small bread loaves, are popular in Germany and come in many varieties.
English |
German |
Pronunciation |
Roll |
Brötchen |
BROHT-chen |
Pretzel Roll |
Laugenbrötchen |
LAU-gen-broht-chen |
Seed Roll |
Körnerbrötchen |
KER-ner-broht-chen |
Pastries
German bakeries offer a wide range of sweet pastries.
English |
German |
Pronunciation |
Cake |
Kuchen |
KOO-khen |
Pie |
Torte |
TOR-tuh |
Croissant |
Croissant |
KRWAH-son |
Specialty Breads
In addition to standard bread, German bakeries often have specialty breads.
English |
German |
Pronunciation |
Sourdough Bread |
Sauerteigbrot |
ZOW-er-teig-broht |
Multigrain Bread |
Mehrkornbrot |
MEHR-korn-broht |
Pumpernickel |
Pumpernickel |
POOM-per-nick-el |
Beverage section in German
Understanding the names of common beverages in German can make ordering drinks and shopping for them easier. Here’s a guide to some essential beverages, their German names, and pronunciations.
Common Beverages
Water
Water is a fundamental drink and is available in different forms in Germany.
English |
German |
Pronunciation |
Water |
Wasser |
VAH-ser |
Sparkling Water |
Sprudelwasser |
SHPROO-del-vah-ser |
Still Water |
Stilles Wasser |
SHTIL-les VAH-ser |
Juice
Juice is popular and comes in a variety of flavors.
English |
German |
Pronunciation |
Juice |
Saft |
ZAFT |
Orange Juice |
Orangensaft |
OH-rang-en-zaft |
Apple Juice |
Apfelsaft |
AH-pfel-zaft |
Soft Drinks
Soft drinks are widely consumed and are available in many different brands.
English |
German |
Pronunciation |
Soft Drink |
Limonade |
LEE-moh-nah-duh |
Cola |
Cola |
KOH-lah |
Lemonade |
Limonade |
LEE-moh-nah-duh |
Coffee and Tea
Coffee and tea are everyday beverages in Germany.
English |
German |
Pronunciation |
Coffee |
Kaffee |
KAH-feh |
Tea |
Tee |
TAY |
Herbal Tea |
Kräutertee |
KROY-ter-tay |
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic drinks are also a significant part of German culture.
English |
German |
Pronunciation |
Beer |
Bier |
BEER |
Wine |
Wein |
VINE |
Red Wine |
Rotwein |
ROHT-vine |
White Wine |
Weißwein |
VICE-vine |
Groceries in Germany
English |
German |
Pronunciation |
Sugar |
Zucker |
TZOO-ker |
Salt |
Salz |
ZALTS |
Pepper |
Pfeffer |
FEF-er |
Oil |
Öl |
OEL |
Flour |
Mehl |
MAYL |