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A2 noun #4,000 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

die Kirsche

Top 4,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces die Kirsche en 30 secondes

Explication die Kirsche in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'die Kirsche' is introduced as a basic fruit. Learners focus on the gender (die) and the plural (die Kirschen). You learn to identify the fruit in a basket and use it in simple 'I like' or 'I have' sentences. For example, 'Ich mag Kirschen' or 'Das ist eine rote Kirsche.' The focus is on visual recognition and basic spelling. You will see this word in flashcards alongside 'Apfel' and 'Banane'. It is one of the first 500 words most students learn because it is a common food item. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar or idioms; just knowing that it's a red fruit called 'Kirsche' is enough. You might also learn the color 'kirschrot' (cherry red) as a way to describe things. Simple shopping dialogues like 'Ein Kilo Kirschen, bitte' are typical for this level. The main challenge is the 'sch' sound, which you should practice to sound clear.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'die Kirsche' in more practical contexts, such as following a simple recipe or shopping at a market. You learn to use adjectives with the noun, such as 'süße Kirschen' or 'saure Kirschen'. You also start to understand basic compound nouns like 'Kirschsaft' (cherry juice) or 'Kirschkuchen' (cherry cake). At this level, you should be able to describe where cherries grow (auf einem Baum) and when they are available (im Sommer). You also learn the difference between the nominative and accusative cases: 'Die Kirsche ist da' vs 'Ich esse die Kirsche.' You might encounter the word in short stories about summer or family gatherings. Understanding that 'Kirsche' is feminine is crucial for using pronouns correctly: 'Die Kirsche ist lecker. Sie ist auch gesund.' This level moves beyond just naming the fruit to integrating it into daily life activities.

At the B1 level, you can discuss 'die Kirsche' in more detail, including its role in German culture and traditions. You might learn about the 'Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte' and be able to explain how to make it. You start to encounter the word in more complex sentence structures, including the dative and genitive cases. You also learn common idioms like 'Mit ihm ist nicht gut Kirschen essen,' which allows you to describe people's personalities metaphorically. At this stage, you can talk about the environment and agriculture, discussing 'Kirschplantagen' (cherry orchards) or the 'Kirschblüte' (cherry blossom) as a seasonal event. You should be able to distinguish between 'Süßkirschen' and 'Sauerkirschen' in a conversation about cooking. Your vocabulary expands to include related terms like 'entkernen' (to pit) and 'einmachen' (to preserve/can) cherries. This level requires a more nuanced use of the word in both spoken and written German.

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At the B2 level, 'die Kirsche' appears in more abstract and professional contexts. You might read articles about the economic importance of cherry farming in Germany or the impact of climate change on 'Steinobst' production. You are expected to use the word with sophisticated grammar, such as passive voice ('Die Kirschen wurden von Hand gepflückt') or subjunctive II for hypothetical scenarios. You also learn more specialized vocabulary, such as 'Schattenmorelle' or 'Herzlkirsche'. At this level, you can appreciate the word's use in literature or more complex media, where it might symbolize youth, summer, or transience (especially the blossoms). You understand the nuances of register, knowing when to use 'Kirsche' colloquially (like in sports) versus formally in a botanical report. You can also participate in debates about organic vs. conventional cherry farming, using the word fluently in various contexts.

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At the C1 level, your understanding of 'die Kirsche' includes its etymological roots and its deep symbolic meaning in German arts. You might analyze poems where the cherry serves as a metaphor. You are comfortable with all idiomatic uses and can use them naturally in conversation. You understand the subtle differences between regional terms like 'Weichsel' and 'Kirsche' and can adapt your speech accordingly. In professional or academic settings, you can discuss the chemical composition of cherries or their health benefits using technical German. Your command of the language allows you to use 'die Kirsche' in complex rhetorical structures, perhaps in a speech or a high-level essay. You are also aware of the word's history, tracing it back to the Latin 'cerasum'. At this stage, the word is no longer just a fruit; it is a versatile tool for expression, rich with cultural and historical associations.

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native mastery of 'die Kirsche'. You can identify the word in any context, from archaic texts to modern slang. You might explore the word's presence in dialect-specific proverbs or obscure culinary history. You can write sophisticated critiques of culinary trends involving cherries or scientific papers on pomology. Your understanding of the 'sch' sound and its phonetic contrast with 'ch' is perfect. You can play with the word's meaning in creative writing, using it to evoke specific emotions or atmospheres. You are also familiar with the industrial processing of cherries, from 'Kirschwasser' distillation to global trade logistics. At this level, 'die Kirsche' is part of a vast, interconnected web of knowledge, and you can navigate its linguistic and cultural landscape with total ease and precision. You might even know the specific legal definitions of cherry-based products in European food law.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

die Kirsche en 30 secondes

Die Kirsche is a feminine German noun meaning 'cherry'. It is a common fruit used in cooking, baking, and traditional beverages like Kirschwasser.
The plural form is 'die Kirschen'. It is important to distinguish between sweet (Süßkirschen) and sour (Sauerkirschen) varieties in culinary contexts.
Phonetically, learners must be careful not to confuse 'Kirsche' (cherry) with 'Kirche' (church), as the pronunciation is very similar but distinct.
Culturally, the cherry is a symbol of summer in Germany and is the star ingredient of the famous Black Forest Cherry Cake.

The German word die Kirsche refers to the cherry, a small, round stone fruit that is beloved throughout Germany and Central Europe. Botanically belonging to the genus Prunus, cherries in Germany are categorized primarily into two groups: Süßkirschen (sweet cherries) and Sauerkirschen (sour or tart cherries). The word itself is a feminine noun, requiring the definite article die and taking the plural form die Kirschen. Understanding this word is essential for navigating German grocery stores, markets, and traditional culinary culture, where the cherry holds a place of high esteem, especially during the early summer months known as Kirschenzeit (cherry season).

Botanical Classification: In a formal or scientific context, one might refer to the fruit as Steinobst (stone fruit). The cherry grows on the Kirschbaum, which is celebrated not just for its fruit but for its stunning blossoms in the spring.

In unserem Garten steht ein alter Baum, und jedes Jahr im Juni pflücken wir die erste Kirsche der Saison.

Beyond the literal fruit, die Kirsche appears in various cultural and metaphorical contexts. It is the centerpiece of the world-famous Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake), where it is often paired with Kirschwasser, a clear cherry brandy. When Germans talk about the 'cherry on top' of a situation, they might use the phrase das Sahnehäubchen, but the literal fruit remains a powerful symbol of summer, fertility, and sweetness in German literature and folk songs. You will hear this word most frequently at the Wochenmarkt (weekly market) between June and August, where vendors will shout about the sweetness of their Knackkirschen (crunchy cherries).

Culinary Usage: Cherries are used in Kompott, Marmelade, and as a topping for Waffeln (waffles) with hot cherries and cream.

In terms of register, die Kirsche is a neutral, standard term used by everyone from toddlers to professional pomologists. However, regional variations exist; for example, in parts of Austria and Southern Germany, you might encounter the word Weichsel specifically for sour cherries. Using the word correctly involves mastering the 'sch' sound, which distinguishes it from the word Kirche (church). This phonetic nuance is a common hurdle for English speakers, as the difference between a fruit and a religious building lies entirely in that one extra consonant sound.

Die rote Kirsche glänzte im Sonnenlicht wie ein kleiner Edelstein.

Idiomatic Expression: The phrase "mit jemandem ist nicht gut Kirschen essen" literally means 'it is not good to eat cherries with someone,' implying that the person is difficult to deal with or unpleasant.

Using die Kirsche correctly requires an understanding of German noun declension. As a feminine noun, it follows the standard pattern for the feminine gender. In the nominative case, it is die Kirsche; in the accusative, it remains die Kirsche; in the dative, it becomes der Kirsche; and in the genitive, it is der Kirsche. The plural form is consistently die Kirschen across the nominative and accusative cases, changing to den Kirschen in the dative plural.

Nominative Case: The subject of the sentence: Die Kirsche ist sehr süß. (The cherry is very sweet.)

Diese Kirsche hat einen Wurm, ich möchte sie nicht essen.

When describing actions involving cherries, you will most often use the accusative case. For example, Ich esse eine Kirsche (I am eating a cherry). Note that the indefinite article for a feminine noun in the accusative is eine. If you are talking about multiple cherries, you use the plural: Wir kaufen zwei Kilo Kirschen auf dem Markt. (We are buying two kilos of cherries at the market.) In German, fruit names are frequently used in the plural when referring to the food item in general, similar to English.

Dative Case Usage: Used with certain prepositions or as an indirect object: Ich gebe dem Saft mit der Kirsche ein besonderes Aroma. (I give the juice a special aroma with the cherry.)

In more advanced constructions, you might use the genitive to show possession or relation. Die Farbe der Kirsche ist tiefrot. (The color of the cherry is deep red.) This is more common in written German or formal descriptions. In everyday speech, people might substitute this with von plus the dative: Die Farbe von der Kirsche. However, for learners aiming for B1 and above, mastering the genitive der Kirsche is highly recommended.

Wegen der sauren Kirsche musste ich mein Gesicht verziehen.

Adjective Agreement: Adjectives must match the feminine gender: eine reife Kirsche (a ripe cherry), die süßen Kirschen (the sweet cherries).

The word die Kirsche is ubiquitous in Germany, echoing through various layers of daily life. The most common place to hear it is at a Lebensmittelgeschäft (grocery store) or a Wochenmarkt. During the harvest season, usually from June to August, you will see signs everywhere proclaiming "Frische Kirschen aus der Region" (Fresh cherries from the region). In the state of Baden-Württemberg, which is famous for its cherry orchards, the word is part of the local identity. You might hear farmers discussing the Kirschernte (cherry harvest) or the impact of late frost on the Kirschblüte (cherry blossom).

At the Bakery: Customers often ask for a piece of Kirschplunder (cherry pastry) or Kirschstreusel (cherry crumble cake). It is a staple of the German Kaffee und Kuchen tradition.

Haben Sie noch eine Kirsche für die Dekoration meiner Torte?

In a domestic setting, parents might tell their children: "Iss deine Kirschen auf!" (Eat up your cherries!). You will also find the word in the names of popular products. Mon Chéri, a famous chocolate brand in Germany, is synonymous with the Piemont-Kirsche. Even in the beverage aisle, you will encounter Kirschsaft (cherry juice) or Kirschnektar. In bars, a Kirschlikör or a cocktail garnished with a Belegkirsche (candied cherry) is common. The word is deeply embedded in the sensory experience of German culinary life.

In Children's Rhymes: There are many nursery rhymes like "Punkt, Punkt, Komma, Strich..." that occasionally involve fruit, and the cherry's simple, round shape makes it a favorite for teaching kids vocabulary.

Furthermore, in the world of sports, particularly football (soccer), a commentator might refer to the ball colloquially as die Kirsche when a player takes a particularly hard or precise shot. For instance: "Er haut die Kirsche direkt in den Winkel!" (He smashes the cherry right into the corner!). This slang usage adds a layer of informal, high-energy context to the word that you won't find in a standard dictionary but will definitely hear on a Saturday afternoon in a German sports bar.

Was für ein Schuss! Die Kirsche zappelt im Netz!

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with die Kirsche is phonetic. Because the German 'sch' sound (as in Kirsche) and the 'ch' sound (as in Kirche) are very close, learners often confuse 'cherry' with 'church'. Saying "Ich esse eine Kirche" would mean "I am eating a church," which will certainly cause some laughter. To avoid this, remember that Kirsche has the soft 'sh' sound like 'shoe', while Kirche has the 'ich-laut', a hissed sound produced at the roof of the mouth.

Gender Confusion: Many learners assume fruits are masculine or neuter. While der Apfel is masculine, die Kirsche is feminine. Using der Kirsche or das Kirsche is a common error.

Falsch: Ich kaufe der Kirsche. Richtig: Ich kaufe die Kirsche.

Another mistake involves the plural. English speakers often want to add an 's' to make it Kirches or Kirschs. In German, the plural of Kirsche is Kirschen. It is important to remember the '-n' ending. Additionally, when using the dative plural (for example, after the preposition mit), the word remains Kirschen because it already ends in 'n'. Some learners try to add an extra 'n', which is unnecessary and incorrect.

Compound Noun Errors: When forming compounds, learners sometimes keep the 'e'. It's Kirschkuchen, not Kirschekuchen. The 'e' is usually dropped when Kirsch- acts as a prefix.

Lastly, there is the confusion between Kirsche (the fruit) and Kirsch (the brandy). If you ask for a Kirsch in a bar, you will receive a glass of strong schnapps. If you want the fruit, you must say eine Kirsche. This distinction is vital for ordering correctly in a restaurant. Also, be careful with the word Kirschi, which is not a real word but a common mistaken diminutive. The correct diminutive is Kirschlein, though it is rarely used in modern conversation.

Achtung: Kirsche (fruit) vs. Kirsch (alcohol).

While die Kirsche is the standard term, German offers several specific alternatives depending on the variety and context. The most important distinction is between die Süßkirsche and die Sauerkirsche. If you are looking for the dark, sweet ones to eat fresh, you are looking for Süßkirschen. If you are baking a cake or making jam, you likely want Sauerkirschen, often specifically the Schattenmorelle variety, which is the most famous sour cherry in Germany.

Regional Variants: In Austria, die Weichsel is the common term for a sour cherry. You will see Weichselmarmelade instead of Sauerkirschmarmelade on Austrian breakfast tables.

Ich bevorzuge Schattenmorellen für meine Nachspeisen, da sie ein kräftigeres Aroma haben.

Another related word is die Wildkirsche (wild cherry), which refers to smaller, often more bitter cherries found in forests. In terms of synonyms for the fruit itself, there aren't many in standard German because Kirsche is so specific. However, you might hear Steinobst when someone is talking about the category of fruit (including plums, peaches, and apricots). In slang, as mentioned, die Kirsche can mean a football, or occasionally, a very attractive person, though this is quite dated and regional.

Comparison: Kirsche vs. Beere: While cherries are small like Beeren (berries), they are botanically different. A Kirsche has a Kern (pit), whereas berries usually have multiple small seeds.

For those interested in the alcohol, das Kirschwasser is the specific term for the clear brandy, while Kirschlikör is the sweet, thick version. In a botanical context, you might hear Vogel-Kirsche (bird cherry), which is the ancestor of most sweet cherry varieties. Knowing these distinctions helps you sound more like a native speaker and ensures you get exactly what you are looking for, whether at a nursery or a high-end restaurant.

Die Knorpelkirsche ist besonders fest und knackig beim Hineinbeißen.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"Die Extraktion des Kirschfarbstoffs ist abgeschlossen."

Neutre

"Ich hätte gerne ein Kilo Kirschen."

Informel

"Hast du noch 'ne Kirsche für mich?"

Child friendly

"Schau mal, die kleine rote Kirsche!"

Argot

"Pass auf, sonst kriegst du eine Kirsche ab!"

Le savais-tu ?

The Roman general Lucullus is often credited with bringing the first cultivated cherries from Asia Minor to Italy around 72 BC, from where they spread to Germany.

Guide de prononciation

UK /diː ˈkɪʁʃə/

US /di ˈkɪrʃə/

The stress is on the first syllable: KIR-sche.

Rime avec

Hirsche Pirsche knirsche beirsche wirsche zirsche mirsche firsche

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it like 'Kirche' (church) with a hissed 'ch' instead of 'sh'.
Making the 'i' sound too long like 'ee'.
Omitting the final 'e'.
Pronouncing the 'r' too strongly like an English 'r'.
Confusing the gender and saying 'der Kirsche'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text due to its similarity to the English concept.

Écriture 2/5

Simple spelling, but don't forget the 'sch' and the final 'e'.

Expression orale 4/5

Difficult for beginners to distinguish from 'Kirche' phonetically.

Écoute 3/5

Requires careful listening to differentiate from 'Kirche' in fast speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

der Apfel die Banane das Obst rot essen

Apprends ensuite

der Kern der Baum der Kuchen die Ernte die Blüte

Avancé

die Steinobstarten die Anthocyane die Veredelung die Pomologie

Grammaire à connaître

Feminine Noun Declension

Die Kirsche (Nom), der Kirsche (Gen/Dat), die Kirsche (Acc).

Plural Formation with -n

Die Kirsche -> die Kirschen.

Compound Noun Gender

Der Kirschsaft (takes gender from 'der Saft').

Adjective Ending (Weak)

Die süße Kirsche.

Adjective Ending (Mixed)

Eine süße Kirsche.

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Exemples par niveau

Die Kirsche ist rot.

The cherry is red.

Nominative singular, feminine.

Ich esse eine Kirsche.

I am eating a cherry.

Accusative singular, feminine.

Magst du Kirschen?

Do you like cherries?

Accusative plural.

Das sind fünf Kirschen.

Those are five cherries.

Plural noun.

Die Kirsche ist süß.

The cherry is sweet.

Adjective 'süß' as a predicate.

Hier ist meine Kirsche.

Here is my cherry.

Possessive pronoun 'meine'.

Eine Kirsche für dich.

A cherry for you.

Accusative after 'für'.

Kirschen wachsen am Baum.

Cherries grow on the tree.

Subject in plural.

Wir kaufen heute frische Kirschen.

We are buying fresh cherries today.

Adjective 'frische' in accusative plural.

Der Kirschkuchen schmeckt sehr gut.

The cherry cake tastes very good.

Compound noun: Kirsche + Kuchen.

Im Juni sind die Kirschen reif.

In June, the cherries are ripe.

Plural subject.

Wäschst du die Kirschen bitte?

Will you wash the cherries, please?

Accusative plural with definite article.

Ich trinke gern Kirschsaft.

I like drinking cherry juice.

Compound noun: Kirsche + Saft.

Die Vögel fressen die Kirschen.

The birds are eating the cherries.

Plural object.

Gibt es Kirschen im Supermarkt?

Are there cherries in the supermarket?

Existential 'es gibt' with accusative.

Diese Kirsche ist noch grün.

This cherry is still green.

Demonstrative 'diese'.

Mit meinem Chef ist heute nicht gut Kirschen essen.

My boss is difficult to deal with today.

Idiomatic expression.

Ich habe die Kirschen für die Torte entkernt.

I pitted the cherries for the cake.

Past participle 'entkernt'.

In Japan ist die Kirschblüte ein wichtiges Fest.

In Japan, the cherry blossom is an important festival.

Compound noun 'Kirschblüte'.

Die Kirschen aus unserem Garten sind die besten.

The cherries from our garden are the best.

Prepositional phrase 'aus unserem Garten'.

Sie backt einen Kuchen mit Sauerkirschen.

She is baking a cake with sour cherries.

Dative plural after 'mit'.

Wegen des Regens sind viele Kirschen aufgeplatzt.

Because of the rain, many cherries have burst.

Genitive plural after 'wegen'.

Diese Marmelade besteht zu 50 Prozent aus Kirschen.

This jam consists of 50 percent cherries.

Preposition 'aus' with dative.

Er pflückt die Kirschen direkt vom Baum.

He picks the cherries straight from the tree.

Preposition 'von' + dative.

Die Kirschernte fiel dieses Jahr geringer aus.

The cherry harvest was smaller this year.

Compound noun 'Kirschernte'.

Man verwendet Kirschwasser für die Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte.

One uses cherry brandy for Black Forest Cake.

Impersonal 'man'.

Die Kirsche symbolisiert in der Kunst oft die Vergänglichkeit.

In art, the cherry often symbolizes transience.

Abstract usage.

Durch Veredelung entstehen neue Kirschsorten.

New cherry varieties are created through grafting.

Passive-like construction with 'entstehen'.

Der Bauer schützt seine Kirschen mit Netzen vor Vögeln.

The farmer protects his cherries from birds with nets.

Verb with fixed preposition 'schützen vor'.

Die Kirschen müssen vor dem Verarbeiten gründlich sortiert werden.

The cherries must be thoroughly sorted before processing.

Passive voice with modal verb.

Es gibt eine große Auswahl an süßen und sauren Kirschen.

There is a large selection of sweet and sour cherries.

Preposition 'an' with dative plural.

Er haute die Kirsche mit voller Wucht ins Tor.

He smashed the cherry (ball) into the goal with full force.

Slang usage of 'Kirsche'.

Die subtile Süße der Kirsche harmoniert perfekt mit dem dunklen Kakao.

The subtle sweetness of the cherry harmonizes perfectly with the dark cocoa.

Genitive singular.

Die Kirsche als Motiv findet sich häufig in der barocken Lyrik.

The cherry as a motif is often found in Baroque poetry.

Prepositional phrase 'als Motiv'.

Pomologen beschäftigen sich mit der Klassifizierung der Kirsche.

Pomologists deal with the classification of the cherry.

Scientific context.

Trotz Frostschäden konnte eine passable Menge an Kirschen geerntet werden.

Despite frost damage, a fair amount of cherries could be harvested.

Concessive 'trotz' with genitive.

Die Kirsche gilt in manchen Kulturen als Frucht der Götter.

The cherry is considered the fruit of the gods in some cultures.

Verb 'gelten als'.

Eine sorgfältige Auslese der Kirschen ist für die Qualität des Likörs entscheidend.

A careful selection of the cherries is crucial for the quality of the liqueur.

Nominalization 'Auslese'.

Die Kirsche verliert durch das Kochen einen Teil ihrer Vitamine.

The cherry loses part of its vitamins through cooking.

Possessive 'ihrer' in genitive.

In der Homöopathie wird die Wildkirsche für verschiedene Zwecke genutzt.

In homeopathy, the wild cherry is used for various purposes.

Passive voice.

Die Diversität der Kirschpopulationen in Europa ist durch Monokulturen gefährdet.

The diversity of cherry populations in Europe is endangered by monocultures.

Complex noun phrase.

Die etymologische Herleitung der Kirsche führt uns zurück in die Antike.

The etymological derivation of the cherry takes us back to antiquity.

Academic register.

Man unterscheidet zwischen der Prunus avium und der Prunus cerasus, den Stammformen der Kirsche.

One distinguishes between Prunus avium and Prunus cerasus, the ancestral forms of the cherry.

Apposition.

Die Kirsche fungiert hier als Chiffre für die verlorene Unschuld der Kindheit.

The cherry functions here as a cipher for the lost innocence of childhood.

Metaphorical/literary usage.

Die Extraktion von Aromastoffen aus der Kirsche erfordert hochmoderne Verfahren.

The extraction of flavorings from the cherry requires state-of-the-art processes.

Technical terminology.

Die Kirsche ist ein Paradebeispiel für die Domestizierung von Wildfrüchten.

The cherry is a prime example of the domestication of wild fruits.

Compound 'Paradebeispiel'.

Ökonomisch gesehen ist die Kirsche ein volatiles Gut auf dem Weltmarkt.

Economically speaking, the cherry is a volatile commodity on the world market.

Economic terminology.

Die physiologische Reife der Kirsche wird durch den Zucker-Säure-Quotienten bestimmt.

The physiological ripeness of the cherry is determined by the sugar-acid ratio.

Scientific passive.

Collocations courantes

Kirschen pflücken

reife Kirschen

saure Kirschen

ein Kilo Kirschen

Kirschen entsteinen

frische Kirschen

Kirschen essen

dunkle Kirschen

Kirschen ernten

wilde Kirschen

Phrases Courantes

Kirschen aus dem Glas

— Jarred or canned cherries, common for baking.

Ich nehme Kirschen aus dem Glas für den Nachtisch.

Ein Schälchen Kirschen

— A small bowl of cherries.

Möchtest du ein Schälchen Kirschen?

Kirschen im Garten

— Having cherry trees in one's own garden.

Wir haben viele Kirschen im Garten.

Die erste Kirsche

— The first cherry of the season, often seen as a treat.

Die erste Kirsche schmeckt immer am besten.

Kirschen vom Markt

— Cherries bought at a local farmers' market.

Diese Kirschen vom Markt sind besonders frisch.

Gefrorene Kirschen

— Frozen cherries.

Gefrorene Kirschen sind super für Smoothies.

Kirschen mit Sahne

— Cherries served with whipped cream.

Waffeln mit Kirschen und Sahne sind ein Klassiker.

Heißer Kirschsaft

— Hot cherry juice, often drunk in winter.

Heißer Kirschsaft hilft gegen Erkältung.

Kirschen für den Kuchen

— Cherries intended for baking.

Ich brauche noch Kirschen für den Kuchen.

Viel Kirschen am Baum

— A tree laden with fruit.

Dieses Jahr hängen viele Kirschen am Baum.

Souvent confondu avec

die Kirsche vs die Kirche

Means 'church'. The only difference is the 'sch' vs 'ch' sound.

die Kirsche vs der Hirsch

Means 'deer'. Rhymes with 'Kirsch' but has a different meaning and gender.

die Kirsche vs der Kirsch

Short for 'Kirschwasser' (cherry brandy). It is masculine.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Mit ihm ist nicht gut Kirschen essen"

— He is difficult, irritable, or hard to get along with.

Sei vorsichtig, mit dem Chef ist heute nicht gut Kirschen essen.

informal

"Die Kirsche auf der Sahnetorte"

— The cherry on top; something that makes a good thing even better.

Der Bonus war die Kirsche auf der Sahnetorte.

neutral

"Sich die Kirschen herauspicken"

— To cherry-pick; to choose only the best parts of something.

Du kannst dir nicht immer nur die Kirschen herauspicken.

neutral

"Die Kirsche im Dorf lassen"

— A variation of 'die Kirche im Dorf lassen', meaning don't exaggerate (though 'Kirche' is the standard word).

Jetzt lass mal die Kirsche im Dorf!

slang/humorous

"In die Kirschen gehen"

— To go and pick cherries, often used in a nostalgic or rural context.

Früher sind wir jeden Sommer in die Kirschen gegangen.

informal

"Die Kirsche versenken"

— To score a goal (in football/soccer).

Er hat die Kirsche eiskalt versenkt.

sports slang

"Rot wie eine Kirsche"

— As red as a cherry (usually describing blushing).

Sie wurde rot wie eine Kirsche.

neutral

"Kirschen in Nachbars Garten"

— Reference to the idea that things belonging to others seem more attractive.

Kirschen in Nachbars Garten schmecken immer süßer.

literary

"Eine Kirsche im Kopf haben"

— To be a bit crazy or eccentric (very regional).

Der hat doch eine Kirsche im Kopf!

informal

"Die Kirsche polieren"

— To make something look perfect (often used for cars or objects).

Er poliert seine Kirsche jeden Samstag.

slang

Facile à confondre

die Kirsche vs Kirche

Phonetic similarity.

Kirsche is cherry (fruit), Kirche is church (building).

Ich gehe in die Kirche (church). Ich esse die Kirsche (cherry).

die Kirsche vs Kürbis

Both are plant-based and start with K.

Kirsche is a small fruit, Kürbis is a pumpkin.

Der Kürbis ist groß, die Kirsche ist klein.

die Kirsche vs Kresse

Phonetic similarity.

Kirsche is a fruit, Kresse is cress (a herb).

Kresse schmeckt scharf, Kirschen schmecken süß.

die Kirsche vs Kitsch

Phonetic similarity.

Kirsche is a fruit, Kitsch is bad taste/tacky art.

Das Bild ist Kitsch, aber die Kirsche ist echt.

die Kirsche vs Kies

Phonetic similarity.

Kirsche is a fruit, Kies is gravel.

Auf dem Weg liegt Kies, im Baum hängt eine Kirsche.

Structures de phrases

Ich mag [Kirschen].

Ich mag Kirschen.

Die [Kirsche] ist [Adjektiv].

Die Kirsche ist reif.

Ich backe einen [Kuchen] mit [Kirschen].

Ich backe einen Kuchen mit Kirschen.

Wegen der [Kirschen] ist der [Vogel] da.

Wegen der Kirschen ist der Vogel da.

Die Qualität der [Kirsche] hängt vom [Wetter] ab.

Die Qualität der Kirsche hängt vom Wetter ab.

Inwiefern beeinflusst die [Kirschernte] den [Markt]?

Inwiefern beeinflusst die Kirschernte den Markt?

Das ist eine [Kirsche].

Das ist eine Kirsche.

Hast du die [Kirschen] gewaschen?

Hast du die Kirschen gewaschen?

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High, especially in summer and culinary contexts.

Erreurs courantes

Ich esse eine Kirche. → Ich esse eine Kirsche.
Kirche means church. You are eating a cherry (Kirsche).
Der Kirsche ist rot. → Die Kirsche ist rot.
Kirsche is feminine, so it takes 'die', not 'der'.
Ich mag Kirsche. → Ich mag Kirschen.
When talking about liking a fruit in general, use the plural in German.
Ein Kirschekuchen. → Ein Kirschkuchen.
In compound words, the 'e' of Kirsche is usually dropped.
Zwei Kirschs bitte. → Zwei Kirschen bitte.
The plural of Kirsche is Kirschen, not Kirschs.

Astuces

The 'SH' Sound

Make sure to pronounce the 'sch' clearly to avoid saying 'church' (Kirche). Practice by saying 'She eats a cherry' in German: 'Sie isst eine Kirsche'.

Feminine Nouns in -e

Most German fruits that end in -e are feminine, like die Kirsche, die Birne, die Orange. This is a helpful rule for beginners.

Compound Words

When you see 'Kirsch-' at the beginning of a long word, it almost always means it's related to cherries. Examples: Kirschkuchen, Kirschsaft.

Black Forest Cake

If you visit Germany, you must try 'Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte'. It's the most famous use of 'Kirschen' in German cuisine.

Buying in Bulk

In Germany, cherries are often sold by the 'Pfund' (500g) or 'Kilo' (1000g). Ask for 'ein Pfund Kirschen' at the market.

Pitting Cherries

The verb for removing the stone is 'entkernen' or 'entsteinen'. You'll need an 'Entkerner' for a big batch.

Cherry Picking

The phrase 'sich die Kirschen herauspicken' is used just like in English to mean choosing only the best parts.

The Tree

A cherry tree is 'der Kirschbaum'. Note that the tree is masculine, while the fruit is feminine.

Timing

Cherry season in Germany is short (June-August). Look for 'Regionale Kirschen' for the best flavor.

Plural -n

Always add the -n for plural. 'Ich habe drei Kirschen' (I have three cherries).

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Kirsche' as a 'Cherry' that you eat in a 'She' (feminine) house. The 'sch' sound is the key!

Association visuelle

Imagine a bright red cherry hanging from the ear of a lady (to remember it's 'die'). The shape of the cherry looks like the letter 'e' in Kirsche.

Word Web

rot süß Baum Kern Sommer Kuchen Saft Blüte

Défi

Try to say 'Zehn zahme Ziegen zogen zehn Zentner Zucker zum Zoo' but replace 'Zucker' with 'Kirschen' and see how fast you can go!

Origine du mot

The word comes from the Old High German 'kirsa', which was borrowed from the Vulgar Latin 'ceresia'. This in turn came from the Late Latin 'cerasum', derived from the Greek 'kerasos'.

Sens originel : The original meaning in Greek likely referred to the town of Cerasus (now Giresun in Turkey), from which cherries were famously exported to Rome.

Indo-European -> Germanic -> West Germanic -> High German.

Contexte culturel

The word is entirely neutral and safe to use in all contexts.

English speakers often associate cherries with pie, whereas Germans associate them more with 'Torte' (multi-layered cake) or 'Streuselkuchen'.

Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (World-famous cake) Mon Chéri (Popular German chocolate brand) The poem 'Die Kirschen' by Wolfgang Borchert

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Grocery Shopping

Was kosten die Kirschen?
Sind die Kirschen süß?
Ein Pfund Kirschen, bitte.
Haben Sie Sauerkirschen?

Baking

Die Kirschen entsteinen.
Kirschen in den Teig geben.
Mit Kirschen belegen.
Kirschsaft andicken.

Gardening

Den Kirschbaum schneiden.
Kirschen ernten.
Die Vögel von den Kirschen fernhalten.
Wann blühen die Kirschen?

Dining Out

Ein Stück Kirschtorte, bitte.
Haben Sie Kirschschorle?
Eis mit heißen Kirschen.
Ein kleiner Kirschbrand.

Casual Conversation

Ich liebe Kirschen.
Kirschen sind mein Lieblingsobst.
Wir haben zu viele Kirschen.
Magst du Kirschen?

Amorces de conversation

"Isst du lieber Süßkirschen oder Sauerkirschen?"

"Hast du schon mal Kirschen direkt vom Baum gepflückt?"

"Was ist dein liebstes Dessert mit Kirschen?"

"Magst du die Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte?"

"Gibt es in deiner Heimat auch viele Kirschbäume?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe deinen perfekten Sommertag. Welche Rolle spielen Kirschen dabei?

Schreibe ein Rezept für einen Kirschkuchen, den du gerne backen würdest.

Erinnere dich an ein Erlebnis aus deiner Kindheit, das mit Obst oder Kirschen zu tun hat.

Warum glaubst du, sind Kirschen in Deutschland so beliebt?

Stell dir vor, du hättest einen eigenen Kirschbaum. Wie würdest du ihn pflegen?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is feminine: die Kirsche. This is true for many German fruit names ending in -e.

The plural is 'die Kirschen'. You just add an -n to the singular form.

Süßkirschen are sweet and usually eaten fresh. Sauerkirschen are tart and used for baking or cooking.

It means someone is difficult to deal with or unpleasant at the moment.

No, 'der Kirsch' usually refers to cherry brandy, while 'die Kirsche' is the fruit.

It is pronounced like the English 'sh' in 'show' or 'ship'.

Yes, in German sports slang, 'die Kirsche' is sometimes used to mean the football.

It is the most common variety of sour cherry used in Germany, especially for jarred cherries.

It is 'die Kirschblüte'. It is a very popular word in spring.

The diminutive is 'das Kirschlein', but it is rarely used in everyday speech.

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