German word

Mais

Pronunciation

IPA/maɪ̯s/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncorn

Example

Der Mais ist reif.

The corn is ripe.

Illustration for Mais (corn)

More examples

Zum Abendessen gab es heiße Maissuppe.

Hot corn soup was served for dinner.

Core concept

A maize plant and its dense ear of edible kernels, linking the growing crop with food and feed.

Common phrases

  • Maisbrot

    cornbread

  • Maissuppe

    corn soup

  • gebratener Mais

    fried corn

Similar words

Getreide: A food or feed crop that produces edible grains.
Maiskolben: An intact corn ear covered with kernels, suitable for grilling or boiling.
Dosenmais: Canned corn kernels that can be added directly to cooked dishes.
Zuckermais: A naturally sweet corn variety commonly eaten fresh or cooked.

Definition in German

Mais bezeichnet sowohl die Pflanze als auch die von ihr stammenden Körner, die als Lebensmittel oder Futtermittel genutzt werden.

Word origin

The German noun Mais came into the language as a borrowing of Spanish maiz when the American crop spread through Europe.

Usage tips

  • Maiskolben means an entire ear or cob, while Mais alone commonly refers to the crop or its kernels as a mass.

Related words

  • Maismehlcornmealnoun
  • Maisbreipolentanoun

Word lists with this word