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German Phrase

Ist dieses Gericht scharf?

/ɪst ˈdiːzəs ɡəˈrɪçt ʃaʁf/
Meaning"Is this dish spicy?"
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Meaning

This phrase directly asks if a particular dish is spicy. It's a straightforward question used to inquire about the heat level of food, which is important for those who prefer milder flavors or enjoy very spicy food.

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When to use

You would typically use this phrase in a restaurant when ordering, or when being served food at a friend's house, especially if you are unsure about the spice level. It's a polite way to gather information before you start eating.

✦Grammar Breakdown

IstdiesesGerichtscharf?

1

Ist (sein)

'Ist' is the third-person singular conjugation of the verb 'sein' (to be). In German, for a yes/no question, the conjugated verb comes at the beginning of the sentence.

2

dieses

'Dieses' is a demonstrative pronoun meaning 'this'. It's used here in the nominative neuter singular form to agree with 'Gericht' (dish), which is a neuter noun.

3

Gericht

'Gericht' is a neuter noun meaning 'dish' or 'court'. In this context, it refers to a prepared food item. Its plural is 'Gerichte'.

4

scharf

'Scharf' is an adjective meaning 'spicy' or 'hot' (for food), but it can also mean 'sharp' (for a knife) or 'clever' (for a mind). Context is key to understanding its meaning.

🗨In Conversation

A

Entschuldigung, Ist dieses Gericht scharf?

Excuse me, is this dish spicy?

Nein, es ist mild. Aber wir haben scharfe Soße, wenn Sie möchten.

No, it's mild. But we have hot sauce if you'd like.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ist dieses Gericht heiß?

    While 'heiß' means 'hot' in terms of temperature, it does not mean 'spicy'. For spicy, always use 'scharf'.

  • Dieses Gericht ist scharf?

    This is a statement with a question mark, not a proper question. In German, for a yes/no question, the conjugated verb ('ist') must come first.

↔Alternatives

  • Ist es sehr scharf?

    Is it very spicy?

  • Hat dieses Gericht viel Chili?

    Does this dish have a lot of chili?

  • Ist das Essen scharf?

    Is the food spicy?

de

Cultural Tip

Traditional German cuisine is generally not known for being very spicy, often favoring hearty and savory flavors. However, with the rise of international restaurants (Thai, Indian, Mexican, etc.) across Germany, asking about spice levels has become very common and is perfectly acceptable. Don't hesitate to ask if you have a preference!