German Phrase
Das riecht lecker!
Meaning
Literally, “That smells tasty!” It is used to comment that something has an appetizing aroma, often food or drink. The tone is informal and enthusiastic.
When to use
Use this phrase when you catch a pleasant smell, such as a freshly baked cake, a simmering soup, or a coffee brewing. It works well in casual conversation with friends, family, or even in a restaurant setting.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Dasriechtlecker
Das (demonstrative pronoun)
‘Das’ is a neuter demonstrative pronoun meaning ‘that/this’, used here as the subject of the sentence.
riecht (3rd person singular of riechen)
‘riecht’ is the present‑tense, 3rd‑person singular form of the verb ‘riechen’ (to smell).
lecker (adjective used predicatively)
When an adjective follows a verb like ‘riechen’, it stays in its base form without an ending.
🗨In Conversation
Mmh, das riecht lecker!
Mmh, that smells delicious!
Ja, das ist das neue Rezept, das ich ausprobiert habe.
Yes, it’s the new recipe I tried.
✕Common Mistakes
Das riechen lecker!
‘riechen’ is the infinitive; you need the 3rd‑person singular form ‘riecht’ for this subject.
Das riecht leckeres!
When an adjective follows ‘riechen’, it stays uninflected; do not add the ending ‘-es’.
Das riecht sehr lecker!
While grammatically possible, native speakers usually keep it short; adding ‘sehr’ can sound exaggerated in casual speech.
↔Alternatives
Das duftet gut!
It smells good!
Das riecht köstlich!
That smells scrumptious!
Das riecht nach etwas Leckerem.
That smells like something tasty.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries, commenting on food aromas is a common way to show appreciation before a meal. However, avoid over‑praising in formal settings like business lunches; a simple “Das riecht gut” is safer. Regional dialects may replace ‘lecker’ with ‘schmackhaft’ (Bavarian) or ‘fein’ (Swiss).