German Vocabulary

Vegetables in GermanVocabulary + Pronunciation

08.02.2023

Here's a list of all the German vocabulary for vegetables that we could possibly think of 🤯. Quite naturally, the first word that came to mind was 'potato' and after that we struggled a lot to come up with any other vegetables: but there seem to be so many more vegetables that aren't potatoes?!

Ok, we're just kidding! There is more to German cuisine than just potatoes (there are also sweet potatoes after all!).

In any case: We hope we didn't forget some really important vegetables here! If we did, just send us a quick mail and we'll correct that. As a thank-you, we'll also send you a photo of a very beautiful potato 🥔.

Root and Tube Vegetables

Let's start with vegetables that Germans love: potatoes! The German word for potato is Kartoffel.

Now, more generally, potatoes are root vegetables (with the German word for root vegetables being "Wurzelgemüse.") Root vegetables are vegetables that grow underground, so that also includes carrots and beets.

Tube vegetables, on the other hand, are vegetables that grow in tubes or cylinders, such as sweet potatoes and turnips. Here's a list of some German words for roots & tubes:

die Kartoffel
potato
die Süßkartoffel
sweet potato
die Steckrübe
turnip
das Radieschen
radish
der Ingwer
ginger
die Möhre
carrot
die rote Beete
beetroot

Bulb and Stem Vegetables

Bulb vegetables are vegetables that (surprise!) grow from a bulb or underground stem (such as onions, garlic, and all kinds of leeks). In German, we call these types of vegetables "Zwiebelgemüse" (so, literally: onion-vegetables).

Some common bulb vegetables in German cuisine include Zwiebeln (onions), Knoblauch (garlic), and Lauch (leeks).

der Knoblauch
garlic
die Zwiebel
onion
die Frühlingszwiebel
spring onion
der Lauch
leek
die Schalotte
shallot
das Zitronengras
lemon grass
der Kohlrabi
kohlrabi
die Sellerie
celery
der Spargel
asparagus

Stem vegetables, on the other hand, are vegetables that grow from a stem above ground (such as asparagus and celery). In German, these types of vegetables are known as "Stängelgemüse".

Some common stem vegetables in German cuisine include Spargel (asparagus), Stangensellerie (celery), and Meerrettich (horseradish). Stem veg is often eaten as a side dish or used to add flavor and crunch to salads.

Leafy Greens & Edible Flowers

der Kohlrabi
kohlrabi
der Salat
salad
der Pak Choi
bok choy
der Brokkoli
broccoli
der Rosenkohl
brussel sprouts
der Löwenzahn
dandelion
der Spinat
spinach
die Rucola
rocket
der Grünkohl
kale
der Blumenkohl
cauliflower
die Artischocke
artichoke

Podded Vegetables

Podded vegetables are vegetables that grow in pods, such as peas and beans. In German, these types of vegetables are known as "Hülsenfrüchte." Some common podded vegetables in German cuisine include Erbsen (peas), Bohnen (beans), Kichererbsen (chickpeas), and Linsen (lentils).

die Kichererbse
chick pea
die grüne Bohne
green bean
die Linse
lentil
die Okraschote
okra
die Zuckererbse
sugarsnap pea
die Erbse
pea

These vegetables are used in all kinds of soups, stews, and casseroles and are a staple in German cuisine. Some popular German dishes using podded vegetables include Erbsensuppe, Bohnensalat or Linseneintopf: Perfect for meals that are a bit more herzhaft.

Gourds, Squash & Peppers

German cuisine makes use of a variety of gourds, squash, and peppers. Some common types of gourds used in German cooking include pumpkin, zucchini, and cucumber. These vegetables are often used in soups, stews, and casseroles, and can also be grilled or roasted as a side dish.

der Kürbis
pumpkin
die Bittergurke
bitter gourd
die Gurke
cucumber
der Butternusskürbis
butternut squash
die Zucchini
zucchini
der Chilipfeffer
chili pepper
die Paprika
bell pepper

Here are a few dishes from German cuisine, that use these ingredients:

  • die Kürbissuppe: A pumpkin soup made with pumpkin, onions, potatoes, and sometimes other vegetables like carrots or celery. It is often seasoned with spices like nutmeg and cinnamon and is a popular dish in the fall and winter months.
  • die Zucchini-Pfanne: A stir-fry made with zucchini, onions, and sometimes other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
  • der Gurkensalat: A cucumber salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers, onions, and a vinegar-based dressing. It is a refreshing side dish that is often served with grilled meats.
Support us by sharing this page
Subscribe 👇
Yes, send me curious resources, free texts & useful tipps for learning German.