German Phrase
Die Äpfel sehen frisch aus.
Meaning
The sentence means “The apples look fresh.” It describes the visual impression of the apples rather than confirming that they are actually fresh.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to comment on the appearance of fruit, vegetables, or any food item in a market, at a grocery store, or during a cooking demonstration.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DieÄpfelsehenfrischaus
Definite article (plural)
"Die" is the nominative plural definite article used before plural nouns.
Plural noun
"Äpfel" is a masculine noun in the plural; it takes the article "die" and the verb in plural form.
Sehen … aus (separable verb)
"sehen … aus" is a separable verb meaning “to look/appear”. In the present tense the particle "aus" moves to the end of the clause.
Predicative adjective
When an adjective follows "sehen … aus", it stays in its base form (no ending) because it is predicative.
🗨In Conversation
Wie sehen die Äpfel aus?
How do the apples look?
Die Äpfel sehen frisch aus.
The apples look fresh.
✕Common Mistakes
Die Äpfel sind frisch.
Use "sehen … aus" for visual appearance; "sind" states a factual condition.
Die Äpfel sehen frische aus.
Predicative adjectives after "sehen … aus" stay in base form, no ending.
Die Äpfel aus sehen frisch.
The verb is separable; the particle must go to the end of the clause.
↔Alternatives
Die Äpfel wirken frisch.
The apples seem fresh.
Die Äpfel sehen knackig aus.
The apples look crisp.
Die Äpfel sehen neu aus.
The apples look new.
Cultural Tip
In German markets, shoppers often judge produce by its appearance before touching or tasting it. Saying "Die Äpfel sehen frisch aus" is a polite, neutral way to compliment the vendor or to ask if the fruit is still good. Remember that "frisch" refers to visual freshness; if you want to confirm the taste, you might ask "Sind die Äpfel noch süß?".