German Phrase
Schmelz die Schokolade vorsichtig.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone to melt the chocolate, but to do it with care so it doesn’t burn or seize. The adverb 'vorsichtig' adds a nuance of gentle handling, which is crucial when working with chocolate.
When to use
Use this phrase while cooking or baking, for example when preparing a chocolate ganache, fondue, or any dessert that requires melted chocolate. It’s also handy in a kitchen class or when giving a friend cooking instructions.
✦Grammar Breakdown
SchmelzdieSchokoladevorsichtig.
Imperativ (du)
For the informal 'du' form, drop the infinitive ending -en and add no ending for most verbs: schmelzen → schmelz.
Akkusativobjekt
The direct object 'die Schokolade' is in the accusative case; the article 'die' stays the same for feminine nouns.
Adverbposition
Adverbs like 'vorsichtig' usually follow the object in a simple imperative sentence.
🗨In Conversation
Schmelz die Schokolade vorsichtig.
Melt the chocolate carefully.
Ja, ich rühre sie langsam, damit sie nicht anbrennt.
Yes, I’ll stir it slowly so it doesn’t burn.
✕Common Mistakes
Schmelzen die Schokolade vorsichtig.
The infinitive 'schmelzen' cannot be used in a direct command; use the imperative 'Schmelz'.
Schmelz der Schokolade vorsichtig.
If you mistakenly use the nominative article 'die' for a masculine noun, it would be wrong; 'Schokolade' is feminine, so 'die' is correct in accusative.
Vorsichtig schmelz die Schokolade.
Placing the adverb before the verb changes the emphasis and sounds unnatural in this simple command.
Schmelz die Schokolade vorsichtig?
A question mark turns the command into a question; use a period for a direct instruction.
↔Alternatives
Erwärme die Schokolade behutsam.
Warm the chocolate gently.
Schmelze die Schokolade langsam.
Melt the chocolate slowly.
Lass die Schokolade vorsichtig schmelzen.
Let the chocolate melt carefully.
Cultural Tip
In German households chocolate is often melted over a double boiler (Wasserbad) to keep the temperature low and avoid scorching. The imperative 'Schmelz' is informal and used with friends or family; in a professional kitchen you’d say 'Schmelzen Sie die Schokolade vorsichtig.'