German word

schmecken

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃmɛkən/

Meaning

  • verbtaste

Example

Die Suppe schmeckt gut.

The soup tastes good.

Illustration for schmecken (taste)

More examples

Der Fisch schmeckt verbrannt.

The fish tastes burnt.

Core concept

A spoonful leaves a flavor impression that can please the person tasting it.

Common phrases

  • mir schmeckt etwas

    ___ tastes good to me

  • etwas schmeckt nach Knoblauch

    ___ tastes like garlic

  • Das Essen schmeckt frisch

    The food tastes fresh

Similar words

probieren: Try a bite or sip of food or drink to judge its taste.
essen: Eat food by taking it into the mouth, chewing, and swallowing.
genießen: Take time to enjoy the taste of a meal or beverage.
riechen: Perceive an odor with the nose and check its source or nature.

Definition in German

durch den Geschmack einer Substanz einen Eindruck auf die Zunge machen; im erweiterten Sinn: jemandem (mit Dativ) gefallen

Word origin

Schmecken comes from Old High German smecken and the inherited Germanic root *smak-, also seen in German Geschmack.

Usage tips

  • In 'Die Suppe schmeckt mir', the food is nominative and the person who likes it is dative: 'mir', not 'ich'.

Other meanings

  • taste goodadjective
  • likeverb

Related words

Word lists with this word