How to Say “Delicious” in German: A Comprehensive Guide

Knowing how to express that something tastes delightful is essential in any language. In German, there are several ways to say “delicious,” each with its own nuance and context.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and using these expressions effectively. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will help you expand your vocabulary and improve your ability to describe flavors in German.

Mastering these phrases will enhance your dining experiences and conversations about food, making your interactions more authentic and enjoyable. This guide is tailored for language learners of all levels, food enthusiasts, and anyone interested in German culture and cuisine.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition of “Delicious” in German
3. Structural Breakdown
4. Types and Categories of Delicious Expressions
   • Köestlich
   • Lecker
   • Schmeckt
   • Vorzüglich
   • Herrlich
   • Wunderbar
   • Appetitlich
5. Examples of Delicious Expressions
   • Examples with Köstlich
   • Examples with Lecker
   • Examples with Schmeckt
   • Examples with Vorzüglich
   • Examples with Herrlich
   • Examples with Wunderbar
   • Examples with Appetitlich
6. Usage Rules
7. Common Mistakes
8. Practice Exercises
9. Advanced Topics
10. FAQ
11. Conclusion

Definition of “Delicious” in German

The concept of “delicious” in German extends beyond a single word. It encompasses a range of expressions that vary in formality, intensity, and context. The most common translations include köstlich, lecker, and phrases using the verb schmecken (to taste). Each of these words and phrases carries slightly different connotations, making it essential to understand their specific meanings and appropriate usage. Additionally, words like vorzüglich, herrlich, and wunderbar can also be used to describe food, adding further nuance to your vocabulary.

Classification: These words and phrases primarily function as adjectives or adverbs, modifying nouns (food items) or verbs (tasting experiences). They belong to the semantic field of taste and sensory perception. The choice of word often depends on the speaker’s personal preference, the formality of the situation, and the specific aspect of the deliciousness they wish to emphasize. For instance, köstlich suggests a high degree of delight, while lecker is more informal and commonly used in everyday conversation.

Function: These expressions serve to convey positive sensory experiences related to food and drink. They can express enjoyment, satisfaction, and appreciation of the taste, aroma, and presentation of a dish. Furthermore, they play a social role by allowing individuals to share their positive experiences with others and engage in conversations about food. Using these words effectively can enhance communication and create a more enjoyable dining experience.

Contexts: The context in which you use these words is crucial. Lecker is suitable for casual settings with friends and family, while köstlich or vorzüglich might be more appropriate in a formal restaurant or when complimenting a chef. Understanding the social and situational context will help you choose the most appropriate expression. For example, describing street food as vorzüglich might sound overly formal, whereas using lecker to describe a gourmet meal might seem underwhelming.

Structural Breakdown

The structure of sentences using these expressions is relatively straightforward. Adjectives like köstlich, lecker, vorzüglich, herrlich, wunderbar, and appetitlich typically precede the noun they modify, following the standard German adjective order. Phrases using the verb schmecken require careful attention to case endings and subject-verb agreement.

Adjective Usage: When using adjectives, the ending changes depending on the gender, number, and case of the noun. For example:

• Der köstliche Kuchen (The delicious cake – masculine nominative)
• Die köstliche Suppe (The delicious soup – feminine nominative)
• Das köstliche Eis (The delicious ice cream – neuter nominative)
• Die köstlichen Plätzchen (The delicious cookies – plural nominative)

Verb Usage (schmecken): The verb schmecken is used to express how something tastes to someone. The food item is the subject, and the person experiencing the taste is in the dative case. The basic structure is: [Food item] schmeckt [person in dative].

• Der Kuchen schmeckt mir. (The cake tastes good to me.)
• Die Suppe schmeckt ihm. (The soup tastes good to him.)
• Das Eis schmeckt uns. (The ice cream tastes good to us.)

Understanding these structural elements is crucial for constructing grammatically correct and natural-sounding sentences. Paying attention to adjective endings and verb agreement will help you avoid common errors and communicate effectively.

Types and Categories of Delicious Expressions

German offers a variety of words and phrases to describe how delicious something is. Each expression carries a slightly different nuance, making it essential to choose the most appropriate one for the context.

Köstlich

Köstlich is a strong and versatile word that conveys a high degree of deliciousness. It can be used in both formal and informal settings. It implies that the food is not only tasty but also of high quality or prepared with great skill.

Lecker

Lecker is the most common and widely used word for “delicious” in German. It is suitable for everyday conversation and informal settings. It’s a simple and straightforward way to express that you enjoy the taste of something.

Schmeckt

The verb schmecken, meaning “to taste,” is used in phrases to express how something tastes to someone. The phrase Es schmeckt gut (It tastes good) is very common. The dative case is crucial when using this verb to indicate who is experiencing the taste.

Vorzüglich

Vorzüglich is a more formal and sophisticated word for “delicious.” It implies that the food is exceptionally good, often of gourmet quality. It’s suitable for fine dining experiences or when complimenting a chef.

Herrlich

Herrlich translates to “glorious” or “splendid.” While not exclusively used for food, it can describe a particularly delightful taste or aroma. It suggests that the food is exceptionally pleasing to the senses.

Wunderbar

Wunderbar means “wonderful” or “marvelous.” Similar to herrlich, it can be used to describe food that is exceptionally enjoyable. It implies a sense of delight and satisfaction.

Appetitlich

Appetitlich translates to “appetizing.” It describes food that looks appealing and inviting. While it doesn’t directly mean “delicious,” it implies that the food is likely to taste good based on its appearance.

Examples of Delicious Expressions

To fully grasp how to use these expressions, let’s look at some examples in context. These examples are categorized by the specific word or phrase being used, providing a clear understanding of their application.

Remember that the choice of expression depends on the context and the level of formality.

Examples with Köstlich

Köstlich is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts. Here are some examples:

German Sentence	English Translation
Der Kuchen ist köstlich!	The cake is delicious!
Diese Suppe ist wirklich köstlich.	This soup is really delicious.
Das Essen im Restaurant war köstlich.	The food at the restaurant was delicious.
Die Soße schmeckt köstlich zu den Nudeln.	The sauce tastes delicious with the noodles.
Wir hatten ein köstliches Abendessen.	We had a delicious dinner.
Der Wein war köstlich und passte perfekt zum Essen.	The wine was delicious and went perfectly with the food.
Die Torte, die sie gebacken hat, war einfach köstlich.	The cake she baked was simply delicious.
Dieses Gericht ist absolut köstlich!	This dish is absolutely delicious!
Die Kombination aus süß und salzig war köstlich.	The combination of sweet and salty was delicious.
Ich fand das Dessert besonders köstlich.	I found the dessert particularly delicious.
Die Pizza war köstlich belegt.	The pizza had a delicious topping.
Das Aroma des Kaffees war köstlich.	The aroma of the coffee was delicious.
Die Gewürze in diesem Gericht machen es so köstlich.	The spices in this dish make it so delicious.
Es war ein köstliches Mahl.	It was a delicious meal.
Die hausgemachte Marmelade war köstlich.	The homemade jam was delicious.
Der Braten war köstlich zubereitet.	The roast was deliciously prepared.
Die Früchte im Salat waren köstlich.	The fruits in the salad were delicious.
Die kleinen Häppchen waren alle köstlich.	The small snacks were all delicious.
Dieser Käse ist wirklich köstlich.	This cheese is really delicious.
Die Kräuterbutter hat köstlich geschmeckt.	The herb butter tasted delicious.
Das Brot war frisch und köstlich.	The bread was fresh and delicious.
Der Honig hatte einen köstlichen Geschmack.	The honey had a delicious taste.
Die Füllung des Kuchens war köstlich.	The filling of the cake was delicious.
Die Vorspeise war köstlich und machte Lust auf mehr.	The appetizer was delicious and made you want more.

Examples with Lecker

Lecker is the most common way to say “delicious” in German. It’s suitable for everyday conversations.

German Sentence	English Translation
Das schmeckt lecker!	That tastes delicious!
Dieser Kuchen ist sehr lecker.	This cake is very delicious.
Die Pizza war lecker.	The pizza was delicious.
Das Eis ist lecker!	The ice cream is delicious!
Die Suppe ist wirklich lecker.	The soup is really delicious.
Der Kaffee ist lecker.	The coffee is delicious.
Die Schokolade ist lecker.	The chocolate is delicious.
Das Brot ist lecker.	The bread is delicious.
Der Saft ist lecker.	The juice is delicious.
Die Pommes sind lecker.	The fries are delicious.
Der Salat ist lecker.	The salad is delicious.
Die Nudeln sind lecker.	The noodles are delicious.
Das Fleisch ist lecker.	The meat is delicious.
Der Fisch ist lecker.	The fish is delicious.
Das Gemüse ist lecker.	The vegetables are delicious.
Die Soße ist lecker.	The sauce is delicious.
Der Nachtisch ist lecker.	The dessert is delicious.
Die Kekse sind lecker.	The cookies are delicious.
Der Joghurt ist lecker.	The yogurt is delicious.
Die Früchte sind lecker.	The fruits are delicious.
Das Gebäck ist lecker.	The pastry is delicious.
Die Marmelade ist lecker.	The jam is delicious.
Der Käse ist lecker.	The cheese is delicious.
Die Wurst ist lecker.	The sausage is delicious.

Examples with Schmeckt

Using schmecken involves indicating who is experiencing the taste using the dative case.

German Sentence	English Translation
Der Kuchen schmeckt mir sehr gut.	The cake tastes very good to me.
Die Suppe schmeckt ihm ausgezeichnet.	The soup tastes excellent to him.
Das Eis schmeckt uns allen.	The ice cream tastes good to all of us.
Wie schmeckt dir der Kaffee?	How does the coffee taste to you?
Der Wein schmeckt ihr nicht.	The wine doesn’t taste good to her.
Das Essen schmeckt den Kindern.	The food tastes good to the children.
Die Pizza schmeckt meinem Bruder.	The pizza tastes good to my brother.
Der Tee schmeckt meiner Mutter.	The tea tastes good to my mother.
Das Bier schmeckt meinem Vater.	The beer tastes good to my father.
Die Schokolade schmeckt meinem Freund.	The chocolate tastes good to my friend.
Der Apfel schmeckt dem Pferd.	The apple tastes good to the horse.
Die Karotte schmeckt dem Kaninchen.	The carrot tastes good to the rabbit.
Der Fisch schmeckt der Katze.	The fish tastes good to the cat.
Das Wasser schmeckt dem Hund.	The water tastes good to the dog.
Die Milch schmeckt dem Baby.	The milk tastes good to the baby.
Der Brei schmeckt dem Kleinkind.	The porridge tastes good to the toddler.
Die Kekse schmecken den Gästen.	The cookies taste good to the guests.
Der Wein schmeckt den Kennern.	The wine tastes good to the connoisseurs.
Das Gericht schmeckt dem Koch.	The dish tastes good to the cook.
Die Speise schmeckt den Feinschmeckern.	The food tastes good to the gourmets.
Der Braten schmeckt dem hungrigen Mann.	The roast tastes good to the hungry man.
Die Suppe schmeckt der frierenden Frau.	The soup tastes good to the freezing woman.
Das Eis schmeckt dem Kind.	The ice cream tastes good to the child.
Der Kuchen schmeckt der Bäckerin.	The cake tastes good to the baker.

Examples with Vorzüglich

Vorzüglich is a formal way to say “delicious” and is often used in high-end dining settings.

German Sentence	English Translation
Das Essen war vorzüglich.	The food was exquisite.
Dieser Wein ist vorzüglich.	This wine is excellent.
Die Zubereitung war vorzüglich.	The preparation was superb.
Das Menü war vorzüglich zusammengestellt.	The menu was excellently composed.
Der Service war vorzüglich.	The service was outstanding.
Die Qualität der Zutaten war vorzüglich.	The quality of the ingredients was excellent.
Das Ambiente war vorzüglich.	The ambiance was exquisite.
Die Präsentation des Essens war vorzüglich.	The presentation of the food was excellent.
Der Nachtisch war vorzüglich.	The dessert was superb.
Die Gastfreundschaft war vorzüglich.	The hospitality was excellent.
Das war ein vorzügliches Mahl.	That was an excellent meal.
Der Koch hat eine vorzügliche Arbeit geleistet.	The chef did an excellent job.
Die Speisen waren vorzüglich gewürzt.	The dishes were excellently seasoned.
Der Empfang war vorzüglich.	The reception was excellent.
Die Aussicht vom Restaurant war vorzüglich.	The view from the restaurant was excellent.
Das Ambiente des Hotels war vorzüglich.	The atmosphere of the hotel was excellent.
Die Bedienung war vorzüglich aufmerksam.	The service was excellently attentive.
Die Zusammenstellung der Aromen war vorzüglich.	The combination of flavors was excellent.
Das Brot wurde vorzüglich gebacken.	The bread was excellently baked.
Der Wein wurde vorzüglich ausgesucht.	The wine was excellently selected.
Die Dekoration war vorzüglich.	The decoration was exquisite.
Die Atmosphäre war vorzüglich entspannt.	The atmosphere was excellently relaxed.
Der Komfort war vorzüglich.	The comfort was excellent.
Die Organisation war vorzüglich geplant.	The organization was excellently planned.

Examples with Herrlich

Herrlich can be used to describe food that is exceptionally delightful, almost glorious.

German Sentence	English Translation
Dieser Kuchen schmeckt herrlich!	This cake tastes glorious!
Das Essen hier ist herrlich.	The food here is splendid.
Was für ein herrlicher Duft!	What a glorious aroma!
Die Aussicht und das Essen waren herrlich.	The view and the food were wonderful.
Es war ein herrlicher Abend mit herrlichem Essen.	It was a glorious evening with glorious food.
Dieser Wein ist einfach herrlich.	This wine is simply glorious.
Die Kombination aus Schokolade und Minze ist herrlich.	The combination of chocolate and mint is glorious.
Die Aussicht und das Essen waren herrlich zusammen.	The view and the food were wonderfully together.
Die Atmosphäre war herrlich entspannt.	The atmosphere was wonderfully relaxed.
Es war ein herrlicher Tag für ein Picknick mit herrlichem Essen.	It was a glorious day for a picnic with glorious food.
Die Süße der Früchte war herrlich.	The sweetness of the fruits was glorious.
Der Duft des frisch gebackenen Brotes war herrlich.	The scent of the freshly baked bread was glorious.
Die Farben des Gerichts waren herrlich anzusehen.	The colors of the dish were glorious to look at.
Der Geschmack des Desserts war herrlich süß.	The taste of the dessert was gloriously sweet.
Die Einfachheit des Gerichts war herrlich.	The simplicity of the dish was glorious.
Die Frische der Zutaten war herrlich.	The freshness of the ingredients was glorious.
Die Harmonie der Aromen war herrlich.	The harmony of the flavors was glorious.
Die Intensität des Geschmacks war herrlich.	The intensity of the taste was glorious.
Die Wärme der Suppe war herrlich an einem kalten Tag.	The warmth of the soup was glorious on a cold day.
Die Würze des Gerichts war herrlich.	The spice of the dish was glorious.
Die Zartheit des Fleisches war herrlich.	The tenderness of the meat was glorious.
Das Aroma der Kräuter war herrlich.	The aroma of the herbs was glorious.
Die Cremigkeit des Kuchens war herrlich.	The creaminess of the cake was glorious.
Die Leichte des Salats war herrlich.	The lightness of the salad was glorious.

Examples with Wunderbar

Wunderbar is similar to herrlich and can be used to express that food is wonderfully enjoyable.

German Sentence	English Translation
Das schmeckt wunderbar!	That tastes wonderful!
Dieser Kuchen ist wunderbar.	This cake is wonderful.
Die Suppe ist wunderbar.	The soup is marvelous.
Das Essen war wunderbar.	The food was wonderful.
Es war ein wunderbarer Abend.	It was a wonderful evening.
Die Kombination aus Käse und Wein ist wunderbar.	The combination of cheese and wine is wonderful.
Die Aussicht und das Essen waren wunderbar.	The view and the food were wonderful.
Das Dessert war einfach wunderbar.	The dessert was simply wonderful.
Die Atmosphäre war wunderbar entspannt.	The atmosphere was wonderfully relaxed.
Es war ein wunderbarer Tag für ein Picknick.	It was a wonderful day for a picnic.
Die Aromen des Gerichts waren wunderbar.	The aromas of the dish were wonderful.
Die Farben des Salats waren wunderbar frisch.	The colors of the salad were wonderfully fresh.
Der Geschmack des Kaffees war wunderbar kräftig.	The taste of the coffee was wonderfully strong.
Die Textur des Kuchens war wunderbar weich.	The texture of the cake was wonderfully soft.
Die Einfachheit des Rezepts war wunderbar.	The simplicity of the recipe was wonderful.
Die Frische der Zutaten war wunderbar spürbar.	The freshness of the ingredients was wonderfully noticeable.
Die Harmonie der Gewürze war wunderbar ausbalanciert.	The harmony of the spices was wonderfully balanced.
Die Intensität des Aromas war wunderbar anregend.	The intensity of the aroma was wonderfully stimulating.
Die Wärme des Ofens war wunderbar einladend.	The warmth of the oven was wonderfully inviting.
Die Würze der Soße war wunderbar pikant.	The spice of the sauce was wonderfully piquant.
Die Zartheit des Fleisches war wunderbar zart.	The tenderness of the meat was wonderfully tender.
Die Aromen der Kräuter waren wunderbar duftend.	The aromas of the herbs were wonderfully fragrant.
Die Cremigkeit des Eises war wunderbar cremig.	The creaminess of the ice cream was wonderfully creamy.
Die Leichte des Gerichts war wunderbar erfrischend.	The lightness of the dish was wonderfully refreshing.

Examples with Appetitlich

Appetitlich describes food that looks appealing, implying that it will also taste good.

German Sentence	English Translation
Das Essen sieht sehr appetitlich aus.	The food looks very appetizing.
Die Früchte sind appetitlich angerichtet.	The fruits are arranged appetizingly.
Der Salat sieht appetitlich aus.	The salad looks appetizing.
Die Torte ist appetitlich dekoriert.	The cake is appetizingly decorated.
Das Gericht wurde sehr appetitlich präsentiert.	The dish was presented very appetizingly.
Die Farben des Gemüses sind sehr appetitlich.	The colors of the vegetables are very appetizing.
Die Speisekarte bietet viele appetitliche Optionen.	The menu offers many appetizing options.
Der Duft aus der Küche ist sehr appetitlich.	The scent from the kitchen is very appetizing.
Das Buffet war sehr appetitlich aufgebaut.	The buffet was set up very appetizingly.
Die Portionen sind appetitlich groß.	The portions are appetizingly large.
Die Präsentation der Speisen war appetitlich und einladend.	The presentation of the dishes was appetizing and inviting.
Die Anordnung der Zutaten war appetitlich durchdacht.	The arrangement of the ingredients was appetizingly well-thought-out.
Die Beleuchtung im Restaurant machte das Essen appetitlich.	The lighting in the restaurant made the food appetizing.
Die Garnitur des Gerichts war appetitlich und kreativ.	The garnish of the dish was appetizing and creative.
Die Dekoration des Tisches war appetitlich und festlich.	The decoration of the table was appetizing and festive.
Die Art und Weise, wie das Essen serviert wurde, war appetitlich.	The way the food was served was appetizing.
Die Kombination der Farben und Texturen war appetitlich.	The combination of colors and textures was appetizing.
Die Verwendung von frischen Kräutern machte das Gericht appetitlich.	The use of fresh herbs made the dish appetizing.
Die Einfachheit des Gerichts war überraschend appetitlich.	The simplicity of the dish was surprisingly appetizing.
Die Sauberkeit des Restaurants trug zur appetitlichen Atmosphäre bei.	The cleanliness of the restaurant contributed to the appetizing atmosphere.
Die Vielfalt der Speisen machte das Angebot appetitlich.	The variety of the dishes made the offer appetizing.
Die Art, wie das Essen präsentiert wurde, machte es gleich appetitlicher.	The way the food was presented made it immediately more appetizing.
Die feinen Details machten die Mahlzeit appetitlich und besonders.	The fine details made the meal appetizing and special.
Die sorgfältige Auswahl der Zutaten machte das Gericht sehr appetitlich.	The careful selection of the ingredients made the dish very appetizing.

Usage Rules

Using these expressions correctly involves understanding the nuances of each word and its appropriate context. Here are some general rules to follow:

• Formality: Lecker is suitable for informal settings, while köstlich and vorzüglich are more appropriate for formal situations.
• Verb Agreement: When using schmecken, pay attention to the dative case to indicate who is experiencing the taste.
• Adjective Endings: Ensure that adjective endings agree with the gender, number, and case of the noun they modify.
• Context: Consider the specific aspect of the deliciousness you want to emphasize. Appetitlich describes the appearance, while the others describe the taste.

Common Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these expressions:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
Der Kuchen schmeckt mich.	Der Kuchen schmeckt mir.	The person experiencing the taste is in the dative case (mir, not mich).
Das Essen ist gut schmecken.	Das Essen schmeckt gut.	Schmecken is the verb; use the correct verb form and word order.
Die lecker Suppe.	Die leckere Supp e.	Adjective endings must agree with the noun’s gender, number, and case.
Köstlich Essen.	Köstliches Essen.	Adjective endings must agree with the noun’s gender, number, and case.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word or phrase.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, consider exploring regional variations in the use of these expressions. For instance, in some regions, certain words might be more common or carry slightly different connotations.

Additionally, delve into the etymology of these words to gain a deeper understanding of their historical and cultural context.

• Regional Variations: Investigate how different regions of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland use these expressions.
• Etymology: Research the origins of words like köstlich and lecker to understand their historical roots.
• Idiomatic Expressions: Explore idiomatic expressions related to food and taste in German.

FAQ

Conclusion

Mastering the various ways to say “delicious” in German will significantly enhance your ability to communicate about food and dining experiences. By understanding the nuances of words like köstlich, lecker, vorzüglich, herrlich, wunderbar, and appetitlich, as well as the proper usage of the verb schmecken, you can express your appreciation for German cuisine with confidence and precision. Remember to consider the context and formality of the situation when choosing the most appropriate expression. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll be able to describe the delightful flavors of German food like a native speaker.