German word

herb

Pronunciation

IPA/hɛɐ̯p/

Meaning

  • adjectivebitter

Example

Der Kaffee ist heute herber als gestern.

The coffee tastes more bitter today than it did yesterday.

Illustration for herb (bitter)

More examples

Die Nachricht löste eine herbe Enttäuschung aus.

The news caused bitter disappointment.

Core concept

A sip dries and tightens the mouth, leaving a sharp impression that can also describe an unsparing tone.

Common phrases

  • herbe Enttäuschung

    bitter disappointment

  • herber Wind

    biting wind

  • herbes Lächeln

    bitter smile

Similar words

bitter: Strong, unmistakable bitterness that is noticed at once.
trocken: Little sweetness, a clean, dry flavor, and a light finish.
sauer: Sharp acidity with a sour taste that makes the mouth water.

Definition in German

Herb bezeichnet einen eher bitteren oder zusammenziehenden Eindruck; bildlich: eine schroffe oder kritische Art.

Word origin

German herb comes from Old High German and Middle High German herb, an inherited Germanic adjective for a bitter or astringent taste.

Usage tips

  • Herb often covers astringent or dry bitterness, so it is not interchangeable with bitter in every context.

Other meanings

  • dryadjective
  • severeadjective
  • bitingadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Herbheitbitternessnoun

Word lists with this word