German word

Kartoffel

Pronunciation

IPA/kaʁˈtɔfl̩/

Meaning

  • feminine nounpotato

Example

Die Kartoffel ist lecker.

The potato is tasty.

Illustration for Kartoffel (potato)

More examples

Zum Fest serviert man Kartoffelknödel.

Potato dumplings are served at the celebration.

Core concept

An edible underground tuber with thin skin and a starchy interior, served boiled, fried, or baked.

Common phrases

  • Kartoffelknödel

    potato dumpling

  • Kartoffelschale

    potato peel

Similar words

Süßkartoffel: A sweet root vegetable with orange or purple flesh.
Pommes: A dish of thinly sliced potatoes fried in oil.

Definition in German

Die essbare Knolle der Kartoffelpflanze (Solanum tuberosum), die gekocht, gebraten oder gebacken als Lebensmittel dient.

Word origin

German Kartoffel came through Italian tartufolo, a diminutive related to tartufo 'truffle', probably because the tubers resemble truffles.

Usage tips

  • Kartoffel is feminine, so the standard forms are die Kartoffel and die Kartoffeln, with the noun capitalized.

Related words

  • Kartoffelerntepotato harvestnoun
  • Kartoffelbauerpotato farmernoun

Word lists with this word