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B1 noun #7,000 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

Hauptgericht

Top 7,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces Hauptgericht en 30 secondes

Explication Hauptgericht in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'Hauptgericht' is a long but important word to recognize when you go to a restaurant. It means 'main course'. You will see it on the menu (Speisekarte). Usually, a meal has three parts: the starter (Vorspeise), the main course (Hauptgericht), and the dessert (Nachtisch). You can remember it by breaking it into two parts: 'Haupt' (main) and 'Gericht' (dish). When the waiter asks what you want, you can say: 'Als Hauptgericht nehme ich das Hähnchen' (As a main course, I'll take the chicken). It is a 'das' word, so we say 'das Hauptgericht'. Don't worry about the long spelling; just focus on seeing it at the top of the menu page where the big meals are listed.

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By A2, you should be able to use 'Hauptgericht' in simple sentences and understand its role in a meal. It is a neuter noun (das). You will often use it with the preposition 'als' (as) or 'zum' (for). For example, 'Was gibt es zum Hauptgericht?' (What is there for the main course?). You should also know the plural form, 'die Hauptgerichte'. In Germany, the main course is often meat or fish with potatoes and vegetables. If you are a vegetarian, you might ask: 'Haben Sie ein vegetarisches Hauptgericht?' (Do you have a vegetarian main course?). It's also helpful to know that 'Hauptspeise' is a common synonym you might hear people say instead of 'Hauptgericht'.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'Hauptgericht' confidently in various social situations. You should understand that 'Gericht' refers to the prepared dish, while 'Speise' is a more general term for food. You'll encounter this word in recipes, where the 'Hauptgericht' is the focal point of the meal planning. You should also be aware of common collocations like 'ein warmes Hauptgericht' (a warm main course) or 'das Hauptgericht servieren' (to serve the main course). At this level, you can also start to distinguish between 'Hauptgericht' and 'Hauptgang'. While often interchangeable, 'Hauptgang' is used more when talking about the order of a multi-course meal (e.g., 'Der zweite Gang war das Hauptgericht').

At the B2 level, your understanding of 'Hauptgericht' should include its nuances in professional and formal contexts. You might read restaurant reviews where the critic analyzes the 'Präsentation des Hauptgerichts' (presentation of the main course). You should be comfortable using the word in the genitive case, such as 'während des Hauptgerichts' (during the main course). You also realize that in German culture, the 'Hauptgericht' at lunch is traditionally the most important, though dinner is becoming more common for 'warme Hauptgerichte'. You can discuss the components of a 'Hauptgericht', such as the 'Sättigungsbeilage' (the filling side dish like potatoes or rice) and the 'Hauptkomponente' (the main component like meat or a large vegetable).

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For C1 learners, 'Hauptgericht' is a basic term that you use with precision. you might explore the etymology of 'Gericht' (from 'richten' - to prepare/arrange) and how it contrasts with terms like 'Schmankerl' (delicacy) or 'Spezialität' (specialty). You can use the term in more complex grammatical structures and in metaphorical senses, although 'Hauptgericht' remains primarily culinary. You understand the subtle register differences between 'Hauptspeise', 'Hauptgericht', and 'Hauptgang' and can choose the appropriate one for a wedding menu versus a casual blog post. You also understand the cultural weight of the 'Sonntagsbraten' as the quintessential German 'Hauptgericht' and can discuss its historical importance in German family life.

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At the C2 level, 'Hauptgericht' is part of your effortless vocabulary. You can use it in highly sophisticated culinary discussions, perhaps debating the 'Dekomposition eines klassischen Hauptgerichts' in modern avant-garde cuisine. You are aware of regional dialects and how they might avoid 'Hauptgericht' in favor of local terms, yet you know that 'Hauptgericht' remains the standard for 'Hochdeutsch'. You can write detailed culinary critiques or menus using the word alongside professional terminology. You also understand the legal homonym 'Gericht' (court) and can use this for wordplay or puns in a literary context. Your mastery includes knowing all idiomatic uses and the historical evolution of the three-course meal structure in Europe.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

Hauptgericht en 30 secondes

Hauptgericht means 'main course' in German and is a neuter noun (das). It is the central part of a multi-course meal.
The word is a compound of 'Haupt' (main) and 'Gericht' (dish). Its plural form is 'die Hauptgerichte'.
It is commonly used in restaurants and cookbooks to distinguish the main meal from starters and desserts.
Synonyms include 'Hauptspeise' and 'Hauptgang', with 'Hauptgericht' being the most formal and standard term for menus.

The German word Hauptgericht is a compound noun that translates literally to 'main dish' or 'main course'. In the context of a meal, it represents the centerpiece of the dining experience, typically the largest and most nutritionally dense portion served after appetizers (Vorspeisen) and before desserts (Nachspeisen). Understanding this word is essential for anyone navigating German-speaking culinary environments, from high-end Michelin-starred restaurants in Berlin to cozy Gasthäuser in the Bavarian Alps. The term 'Haupt' means 'main', 'chief', or 'head', and 'Gericht' means 'dish' (though it can also mean 'court of law' in other contexts). Together, they form the linguistic anchor of the menu.

Etymological Root: The word 'Gericht' stems from the Old High German 'girihti', relating to the act of 'arranging' or 'preparing' food on a table. Thus, a Hauptgericht is the primary arrangement of the meal.
Social Significance: In German culture, the Hauptgericht is traditionally served at midday (Mittagessen), which has historically been the warmest and most substantial meal of the day, though modern work schedules have shifted this towards the evening for many.

Als Hauptgericht empfehle ich heute den frischen Zander mit Salzkartoffeln.

When you look at a German menu, the section labeled 'Hauptgerichte' or 'Hauptspeisen' will contain the heaviest hitters: Schnitzel, Braten (roasts), pasta dishes, or large vegetarian plates. Unlike 'Beilagen' (side dishes), the Hauptgericht is intended to stand alone as a complete thought, though it is usually accompanied by sides. In professional catering and domestic hosting, the timing of the Hauptgericht is the climax of the event. It is the moment where the host or the chef demonstrates their primary skill. The transition from the light 'Vorspeise' to the 'Hauptgericht' marks the shift from social lubrication to serious nourishment.

Gender and Plural: It is 'das Hauptgericht' (neuter). The plural is 'die Hauptgerichte'. Remembering that 'Gericht' is neuter is key, as many food-related words in German have varying genders.

Gibt es auch ein vegetarisches Hauptgericht auf der Karte?

Beyond the physical food, the word carries a sense of priority. In metaphorical usage, though rare, one might refer to the main part of a presentation or a project as the 'Hauptgericht', implying it is the meat of the matter. However, 99% of its usage remains strictly culinary. In Switzerland and Austria, you might encounter the synonym 'Hauptspeise' more frequently, but 'Hauptgericht' remains universally understood and highly formal. Whether you are discussing a Sunday roast with your 'Oma' or ordering at a business dinner, this word is your gateway to the heart of German gastronomy.

Regional Variations: While 'Hauptgericht' is standard, in Southern Germany and Austria, 'Hauptspeise' is often preferred in casual conversation, though 'Hauptgericht' appears on printed menus.

Wir überspringen die Suppe und gehen direkt zum Hauptgericht über.

Using Hauptgericht correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a neuter noun and its placement in the sequence of a meal. Most commonly, it appears in restaurant settings when ordering or inquiring about the menu. It often follows prepositions like 'als' (as) or 'zum' (for/at the). For example, 'Als Hauptgericht nehme ich...' is the standard way to announce your choice to a waiter. It can also be modified by adjectives to specify the type of dish, such as 'ein fleischloses Hauptgericht' (a meatless main course) or 'ein deftiges Hauptgericht' (a hearty main course).

With Adjectives: Das kulinarische Hauptgericht war der Höhepunkt des Abends. (The culinary main course was the highlight of the evening.)
In Question Forms: Welches Hauptgericht können Sie heute besonders empfehlen? (Which main course can you particularly recommend today?)

Nach der Vorspeise mussten wir leider lange auf das Hauptgericht warten.

In a domestic setting, you might hear a host say, 'Das Hauptgericht ist gleich fertig' (The main course will be ready shortly). Note the use of the definite article 'das'. If you are planning a menu, you might say, 'Ich plane drei verschiedene Hauptgerichte' (I am planning three different main courses). Here, the plural form 'Hauptgerichte' is used. It's also important to distinguish between 'Gericht' (the prepared meal) and 'Speise' (the food itself). While 'Hauptspeise' is a synonym, 'Hauptgericht' sounds slightly more formal and is the preferred term in written menus and professional culinary criticism.

Prepositional Usage: Wir servieren Wein passend zum Hauptgericht. (We serve wine matching the main course.)

Das Hauptgericht besteht heute aus Rinderfilet mit Pfifferlingen.

In academic or professional culinary contexts, you might discuss the 'Komposition des Hauptgerichts' (composition of the main course), referring to the balance of protein, starch, and vegetables. In these cases, the word takes on a more technical meaning, focusing on nutritional balance and aesthetic presentation. For learners, the most vital pattern to master is [Preposition] + [Article] + Hauptgericht, such as 'vor dem Hauptgericht' (before the main course) or 'während des Hauptgerichts' (during the main course - Genitive). Mastering these variations will make your restaurant interactions smooth and sophisticated.

The most common place to hear Hauptgericht is, unsurprisingly, in a restaurant (im Restaurant). Waitstaff will use it when guiding you through the menu or confirming your order. For instance, after you've finished your soup, a waiter might ask, 'Soll ich das Hauptgericht jetzt bringen lassen?' (Should I have the main course brought out now?). You will also hear it on television, particularly on German cooking shows like 'Kitchen Impossible' or 'The Taste', where contestants are often judged specifically on their 'Hauptgericht'.

On the Menu (Speisekarte): In almost every restaurant, the menu will have a bold header 'Hauptgerichte'. Under this, you'll find the most expensive and complex items.
At Dinner Parties (Abendgesellschaften): A host might announce: 'Bitte nehmt Platz, das Hauptgericht wird nun serviert!' (Please take your seats, the main course is now being served!)

Im Fernsehen sagte der Koch, dass das Hauptgericht die Seele des Menüs ist.

You will also encounter the word in cookbooks (Kochbücher). Recipes are often categorized by course. If you are looking for a substantial meal to cook for your family, you would look under the 'Hauptgerichte' section. In corporate environments, during a 'Geschäftsessen' (business lunch), the 'Hauptgericht' is the time when the most important topics are usually discussed, as the initial small talk typically concludes with the 'Vorspeise'.

In Supermarkets: Frozen food sections or ready-meal aisles often use the term 'Fertiggerichte' (ready meals), which are essentially pre-packaged Hauptgerichte.

Haben Sie die Hauptgerichte auf der Tageskarte schon gesehen?

Finally, in travel contexts, such as on an airplane or a long-distance train (ICE) in Germany, the menu will list the 'Hauptgericht' options. Even in a 'Kantine' (cafeteria), the daily specials are the 'Hauptgerichte'. Because it is such a functional word, it lacks the slangy variations of other food words, making it a reliable 'safe' word to use in any social stratum. Whether you are at a 'Döner-Imbiss' (where they might use the term less formally) or a 'Gourmet-Tempel', the 'Hauptgericht' is the universal term for the main event.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with Hauptgericht is using the wrong grammatical gender. Since many English speakers default to 'der' or 'die', they might say 'der Hauptgericht'. However, because 'Gericht' is neuter, it must always be 'das Hauptgericht'. Another common error is confusing 'Gericht' with 'Geschirr'. While 'Gericht' refers to the food/dish, 'Geschirr' refers to the physical plates, bowls, and cutlery (the dishes). Saying 'Ich esse das Hauptgeschirr' would imply you are eating the plate!

Confusion with 'Hauptgang': Learners often use 'Hauptgang' and 'Hauptgericht' interchangeably. While they are very similar, 'Hauptgang' refers more to the *sequence* (the main course in a series of courses), whereas 'Hauptgericht' refers to the *specific dish* itself.
Pluralization Errors: Some learners try to pluralize it as 'Hauptgerichten' in the nominative. The correct plural is 'Hauptgerichte'. The '-en' ending only appears in the dative plural: 'mit den Hauptgerichten'.

Falsch: Ich mag dieses Hauptgeschirr.
Richtig: Ich mag dieses Hauptgericht.

Another nuance is the difference between 'Hauptgericht' and 'Hauptspeise'. While not technically a mistake, using 'Hauptgericht' in a very casual, regional Austrian setting might sound slightly 'Piefke' (a slang term for Germans used by Austrians), where 'Hauptspeise' is the more natural local choice. Furthermore, avoid using the word 'Hauptgericht' for a snack or a light lunch that isn't part of a structured meal. If you're just having a quick sandwich, it's an 'Imbiss' or 'Snack', not a 'Hauptgericht'.

Word Order with 'als': When saying 'As a main course, I'll take...', ensure the verb comes second: 'Als Hauptgericht *nehme* ich...' NOT 'Als Hauptgericht ich nehme...'.

Falsch: Der Hauptgericht ist groß.
Richtig: Das Hauptgericht ist groß.

Lastly, be careful with the word 'Gericht' in other contexts. If you are in a courthouse, 'das Gericht' means the court. If you tell a judge 'Ich liebe dieses Gericht', they might think you are very fond of the legal system rather than the food! Context is usually sufficient to prevent this, but it's a fun quirk of the language to keep in mind.

While Hauptgericht is the standard term, German offers several alternatives depending on the context, region, and level of formality. The most common synonym is 'Hauptspeise'. In many contexts, these are 100% interchangeable. However, 'Speise' has a slightly more traditional or poetic feel, whereas 'Gericht' feels more like a 'prepared dish'. In professional gastronomy, you will often hear 'Hauptgang', which emphasizes the course's position in a sequence of several courses.

Hauptspeise vs. Hauptgericht: 'Hauptspeise' is more common in spoken South German/Austrian German. 'Hauptgericht' is the standard for menus and formal writing across all regions.
Hauptgang: Literally 'main go' or 'main walk'. Used when referring to a 3-course, 5-course, or 7-course meal. 'Der dritte Gang ist der Hauptgang.'

Auf der Karte stand 'Hauptspeisen', aber der Kellner sagte 'Hauptgerichte'.

Another related term is 'Tellergericht'. This refers to a complete meal served on one plate, often used in lunch menus (Mittagstisch) to indicate a quick, all-in-one option. If you're looking for something lighter, you might choose an 'Entrée' (borrowed from French) or a 'Zwischengericht' (an intermediate course). For those interested in the components, 'Beilage' (side dish) is the word for the potatoes or salad that accompany your 'Hauptgericht'.

Stammessen: In some traditional pubs, the 'main course of the day' for regulars is called the 'Stammessen'. It's usually a fixed, affordable Hauptgericht.

Das Hauptgericht war heute ein klassischer Sauerbraten.

In very formal settings, you might hear 'Plat principal', though this is rare outside of French-influenced fine dining. For everyday life, sticking with 'Hauptgericht' or 'Hauptspeise' will serve you perfectly. If you are talking about a specific type of dish, you might use 'Fleischgericht' (meat dish), 'Fischgericht' (fish dish), or 'Nudelgericht' (pasta dish). These are all sub-types of the 'Hauptgericht'. Understanding these variations allows you to navigate everything from a rustic 'Biergarten' to a high-end 'Restaurant' with confidence.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'Gericht' can mean both a food dish and a court of law. This is because both come from the idea of 'righting' or 'arranging' something—either food on a table or a legal dispute.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈhaʊpt.ɡəˌrɪçt/

US /ˈhaʊpt.ɡəˌrɪkt/

Primary stress on the first syllable 'HAUPT', secondary stress on the third syllable 'RICHT'.

Rime avec

Gewicht (weight) Licht (light) Sicht (view) Pflicht (duty) Gedicht (poem) Verzicht (renunciation) Bericht (report) Gesicht (face)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'ch' as 'k' (Gerikt instead of Gericht).
Ignoring the 'p' in 'Haupt' (Hautgericht).
Pronouncing 'au' like 'oh' (Hoptgericht).
Stress on the middle syllable (HauptGEricht).
Making the 'g' too hard like 'j' (Hauptjericht).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize on a menu due to its length and the 'Haupt' prefix.

Écriture 5/5

Requires correct spelling of 'Gericht' and remembering the neuter gender.

Expression orale 6/5

The 'pt-g' transition and the 'ch' sound can be tricky for beginners.

Écoute 4/5

Generally clear, but can be shortened in fast speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Haupt Gericht Essen Speise Karte

Apprends ensuite

Vorspeise Nachtisch Beilage Getränk Rechnung

Avancé

Gourmetküche Menüabfolge Sättigungsbeilage Garmethode Degustationsmenü

Grammaire à connaître

Compound Nouns

Haupt + Gericht = Hauptgericht. The gender is always determined by the last noun (das Gericht).

Preposition 'Als'

Used to define roles: 'Als Hauptgericht' (As a main course).

Dative Plural '-n'

In the dative plural, nouns get an -n: 'mit den HauptgerichteN'.

Genitive Case

Neuter nouns add -s or -es: 'des Hauptgerichts'.

Adjective Endings

Mixed declension: 'ein leckeres Hauptgericht'.

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Exemples par niveau

Das Hauptgericht ist lecker.

The main course is delicious.

Simple Subject-Verb-Adjective structure.

Ich möchte ein Hauptgericht bestellen.

I would like to order a main course.

Modal verb 'möchte' with infinitive at the end.

Was ist das Hauptgericht?

What is the main course?

Basic question with 'was'.

Das Hauptgericht kostet 15 Euro.

The main course costs 15 Euros.

Using 'kosten' for prices.

Hier sind die Hauptgerichte.

Here are the main courses.

Plural form 'Hauptgerichte'.

Ich esse kein Fleisch zum Hauptgericht.

I don't eat meat for the main course.

Negation with 'kein' and preposition 'zum'.

Ist das Hauptgericht scharf?

Is the main course spicy?

Adjective 'scharf' describing the noun.

Das Hauptgericht kommt bald.

The main course is coming soon.

Present tense used for near future.

Haben Sie auch ein vegetarisches Hauptgericht?

Do you also have a vegetarian main course?

Adjective ending '-es' for neuter accusative.

Als Hauptgericht nehme ich den Fisch.

As a main course, I'll take the fish.

Verb in second position after 'Als Hauptgericht'.

Wir haben drei verschiedene Hauptgerichte zur Auswahl.

We have three different main courses to choose from.

Plural 'Hauptgerichte' and preposition 'zur'.

Das Hauptgericht war leider zu salzig.

The main course was unfortunately too salty.

Past tense 'war' and adverb 'zu'.

Können wir das Hauptgericht jetzt bestellen?

Can we order the main course now?

Modal verb 'können' in a question.

Das Hauptgericht wird mit Kartoffeln serviert.

The main course is served with potatoes.

Passive voice 'wird serviert'.

Ich koche heute ein besonderes Hauptgericht.

I am cooking a special main course today.

Adjective ending '-es' for neuter accusative.

Nach der Suppe essen wir das Hauptgericht.

After the soup, we eat the main course.

Preposition 'nach' followed by dative.

Welches Hauptgericht können Sie mir empfehlen?

Which main course can you recommend to me?

Relative pronoun 'welches' matching neuter noun.

Das Hauptgericht ist die wichtigste Speise des Tages.

The main course is the most important dish of the day.

Superlative 'wichtigste' and genitive 'des Tages'.

Ich bereite das Hauptgericht für unsere Gäste vor.

I am preparing the main course for our guests.

Separable verb 'vorbereiten'.

Obwohl die Vorspeise gut war, enttäuschte das Hauptgericht.

Although the starter was good, the main course disappointed.

Subordinate clause with 'obwohl'.

Zum Hauptgericht trinken wir normalerweise einen Rotwein.

With the main course, we usually drink a red wine.

Adverb 'normalerweise' and accusative 'einen Rotwein'.

Das Hauptgericht besteht aus regionalen Zutaten.

The main course consists of regional ingredients.

Verb 'bestehen aus' + dative.

Man sollte das Hauptgericht heiß servieren.

One should serve the main course hot.

Impersonal 'man' and modal 'sollte'.

Die Portion des Hauptgerichts war sehr groß.

The portion of the main course was very large.

Genitive case 'des Hauptgerichts'.

Die Auswahl an Hauptgerichten in diesem Restaurant ist beeindruckend.

The selection of main courses in this restaurant is impressive.

Dative plural 'Hauptgerichten' after 'an'.

Das Hauptgericht bildete den kulinarischen Höhepunkt des Abends.

The main course formed the culinary highlight of the evening.

Präteritum 'bildete' and accusative 'den Höhepunkt'.

Es gibt sowohl Fleisch- als auch Fischgerichte als Hauptgericht.

There are both meat and fish dishes as a main course.

Correlative conjunction 'sowohl... als auch'.

Die Qualität des Hauptgerichts lässt zu wünschen übrig.

The quality of the main course leaves much to be desired.

Idiomatic expression 'lässt zu wünschen übrig'.

Wir haben das Hauptgericht passend zum Wein ausgewählt.

We chose the main course to match the wine.

Perfect tense 'haben ausgewählt'.

Ein ausgewogenes Hauptgericht sollte Proteine und Vitamine enthalten.

A balanced main course should contain proteins and vitamins.

Adjective 'ausgewogenes' in nominative neuter.

Trotz des hohen Preises war das Hauptgericht sein Geld wert.

Despite the high price, the main course was worth the money.

Preposition 'trotz' + genitive.

Das Hauptgericht wurde mit einer feinen Sauce verfeinert.

The main course was refined with a fine sauce.

Passive voice 'wurde verfeinert'.

Die Komposition des Hauptgerichts zeugt von großer handwerklicher Kunst.

The composition of the main course testifies to great craftsmanship.

Verb 'zeugen von' + dative.

Oftmals wird das Hauptgericht durch unnötige Beilagen überladen.

Often the main course is overloaded with unnecessary side dishes.

Passive voice with 'wird... überladen'.

Das Hauptgericht spiegelt die Philosophie des Küchenchefs wider.

The main course reflects the chef's philosophy.

Separable verb 'widerspiegeln'.

Bei der Zubereitung des Hauptgerichts ist höchste Präzision gefragt.

Highest precision is required when preparing the main course.

Genitive 'des Hauptgerichts' and passive-like 'gefragt'.

Ein gelungenes Hauptgericht harmoniert perfekt mit der Vorspeise.

A successful main course harmonizes perfectly with the appetizer.

Adjective 'gelungenes' and verb 'harmonieren'.

Man kann das Hauptgericht auch als vegetarische Variante bestellen.

The main course can also be ordered as a vegetarian version.

Modal 'kann' and 'als' for capacity.

Die Aromen des Hauptgerichts entfalten sich erst nach und nach.

The flavors of the main course only unfold gradually.

Reflexive verb 'sich entfalten'.

Das Hauptgericht wurde auf einem vorgewärmten Teller serviert.

The main course was served on a preheated plate.

Dative after 'auf' and passive voice.

Die semantische Nuance zwischen Hauptspeise und Hauptgericht ist marginal.

The semantic nuance between main dish and main course is marginal.

Technical linguistic vocabulary.

In der gehobenen Gastronomie wird dem Hauptgericht oft eine Geschichte beigefügt.

In upscale gastronomy, a story is often attached to the main course.

Dative 'dem Hauptgericht' as indirect object.

Das Hauptgericht fungiert als Ankerpunkt innerhalb der Menüabfolge.

The main course functions as an anchor point within the menu sequence.

Verb 'fungieren als'.

Eine Überwürzung des Hauptgerichts kann das gesamte Geschmackserlebnis ruinieren.

Over-seasoning the main course can ruin the entire taste experience.

Nominalization 'Überwürzung' and genitive.

Die Ästhetik des Hauptgerichts sollte die Qualität der Zutaten unterstreichen.

The aesthetics of the main course should underline the quality of the ingredients.

Subjunctive 'sollte' for recommendation.

Das Hauptgericht evozierte Erinnerungen an die kulinarische Tradition seiner Kindheit.

The main course evoked memories of the culinary traditions of his childhood.

High-level verb 'evozieren'.

Die Wahl des Hauptgerichts unterliegt oft saisonalen Gegebenheiten.

The choice of main course is often subject to seasonal conditions.

Verb 'unterliegen' + dative.

Ein exzellentes Hauptgericht bedarf keiner opulenten Dekoration.

An excellent main course requires no opulent decoration.

Verb 'bedürfen' + genitive.

Synonymes

Hauptspeise Hauptgang Tellergericht Stammessen Hauptmahlzeit Plat principal Essen Gericht

Antonymes

Vorspeise Nachtisch Beilage Appetithäppchen

Collocations courantes

ein vegetarisches Hauptgericht

das Hauptgericht servieren

ein warmes Hauptgericht

zum Hauptgericht wählen

ein deftiges Hauptgericht

das Hauptgericht bestellen

passend zum Hauptgericht

ein leichtes Hauptgericht

das Hauptgericht kochen

die Auswahl an Hauptgerichten

Phrases Courantes

Als Hauptgericht nehme ich...

— Standard way to order your main meal in a restaurant.

Als Hauptgericht nehme ich das Rindersteak.

Was gibt es zum Hauptgericht?

— Asking what the main meal will be.

Mama, was gibt es heute zum Hauptgericht?

Das Hauptgericht ist fertig!

— Announcing that the main meal is ready to be eaten.

Kommt alle her, das Hauptgericht ist fertig!

Ein Hauptgericht nach Wahl

— A main course of your choice (often seen in set menus).

Das Menü beinhaltet ein Hauptgericht nach Wahl.

Vom Hauptgericht satt sein

— To be full from the main course.

Ich bin vom Hauptgericht schon ganz satt.

Das Hauptgericht abbestellen

— To cancel the main course order.

Wir müssen das Hauptgericht leider abbestellen.

Ein Hauptgericht teilen

— To share a main course with someone else.

Können wir uns ein Hauptgericht teilen?

Das Hauptgericht des Tages

— The main course special of the day.

Was ist das Hauptgericht des Tages?

Direkt zum Hauptgericht übergehen

— To skip starters and go straight to the main meal.

Wollen wir direkt zum Hauptgericht übergehen?

Ein Hauptgericht für zwei Personen

— A main course designed for two people to share.

Diese Platte ist ein Hauptgericht für zwei Personen.

Souvent confondu avec

Hauptgericht vs Hauptspeise

Almost identical, but 'Hauptspeise' is slightly more common in Southern Germany/Austria.

Hauptgericht vs Hauptgang

Refers to the course in a sequence, while Hauptgericht refers to the dish itself.

Hauptgericht vs Gericht

Can mean a dish or a court of law. Context is key.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Das ist nur die Beilage zum Hauptgericht"

— Something is just an addition, not the main event. (Metaphorical)

Das Geld ist nur die Beilage zum Hauptgericht; mir geht es um die Erfahrung.

Informal

"Sich das Hauptgericht aufheben"

— To save the best or most important part for later.

Er hob sich das Hauptgericht seiner Rede für den Schluss auf.

Metaphorical

"Das Hauptgericht versalzen"

— To ruin the most important part of something.

Mit seinem Kommentar hat er mir das Hauptgericht versalzen.

Informal

"Kein Hauptgericht ohne Beilage"

— Everything important needs supporting details or help.

Ein Chef braucht sein Team; kein Hauptgericht ohne Beilage.

Proverbial

"Das Hauptgericht ist die halbe Miete"

— If the main part is good, the rest doesn't matter as much.

Wenn das Hauptgericht schmeckt, ist das die halbe Miete für die Party.

Colloquial

"Über das Hauptgericht streiten"

— To argue about the core issue.

Wir sollten nicht über die Details, sondern über das Hauptgericht streiten.

Metaphorical

"Das Hauptgericht kalt servieren"

— Rarely used, but implies delivering something important without emotion.

Er servierte das Hauptgericht seiner Kritik ganz kalt.

Metaphorical

"Vom Hauptgericht zum Dessert"

— Moving from the serious part to the fun part.

Nach der Arbeit gehen wir vom Hauptgericht zum Dessert über.

Metaphorical

"Alles auf ein Hauptgericht setzen"

— To put all focus/resources into one main thing.

Die Firma setzt alles auf dieses eine Hauptgericht von einem Projekt.

Metaphorical

"Das Hauptgericht vergessen"

— To miss the main point.

Du hast vor lauter Reden das Hauptgericht vergessen.

Informal

Facile à confondre

Hauptgericht vs Geschirr

Sounds slightly similar to Gericht.

Geschirr refers to the physical plates/dishes, not the food.

Ich wasche das Geschirr ab.

Hauptgericht vs Gericht

Homonym.

One is food, the other is a legal institution.

Das Gericht verurteilte den Dieb.

Hauptgericht vs Speise

Synonym.

Speise is more general for 'food' or 'dish', while Gericht is more for a 'prepared meal'.

Götterspeise (a type of jelly).

Hauptgericht vs Mahlzeit

Related to eating.

Mahlzeit refers to the mealtime or the act of eating, not the specific course.

Guten Appetit! Mahlzeit!

Hauptgericht vs Beilage

Part of the same plate.

Beilage is the side dish (fries, salad), not the main part.

Als Beilage nehme ich Pommes.

Structures de phrases

Das [Noun] ist [Adjective].

Das Hauptgericht ist gut.

Ich nehme [Noun] als Hauptgericht.

Ich nehme den Salat als Hauptgericht.

Was gibt es zum [Noun]?

Was gibt es zum Hauptgericht?

Trotz des [Genitive], war das [Noun]...

Trotz des Preises war das Hauptgericht exzellent.

Die [Noun] des [Noun] ist...

Die Qualität des Hauptgerichts ist hervorragend.

Das [Noun] fungiert als...

Das Hauptgericht fungiert als Herzstück des Menüs.

Ich hätte gerne ein [Adjective] [Noun].

Ich hätte gerne ein vegetarisches Hauptgericht.

Das [Noun] wird mit [Dative] serviert.

Das Hauptgericht wird mit Reis serviert.

Famille de mots

Noms

Gericht

Hauptspeise

Hauptgang

Vorspeise

Nachspeise

Beilage

Fertiggericht

Nationalgericht

Verbes

anrichten (to plate/prepare)

ausrichten (to host/align)

berichten (to report - related root)

Adjectifs

hauptsächlich (mainly)

gerichtlich (judicial - different meaning)

gerichtet (directed)

Apparenté

Hauptbahnhof

Hauptstadt

Hauptrolle

Hauptsache

Mittagessen

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely frequent in culinary and daily life contexts.

Erreurs courantes

Der Hauptgericht → Das Hauptgericht
Gericht is neuter, not masculine.
Ich esse das Hauptgeschirr. → Ich esse das Hauptgericht.
Geschirr means the physical plates/dishes.
Als Hauptgericht ich nehme... → Als Hauptgericht nehme ich...
The verb must be in the second position in a German sentence.
Die Hauptgerichten sind teuer. → Die Hauptgerichte sind teuer.
The nominative plural does not have an 'n' unless it's dative.
Ein Hauptgericht scharf → Ein scharfes Hauptgericht
Adjectives must come before the noun with correct endings.

Astuces

Gender Memory

Remember 'Das Gericht' (The Dish). All compound words ending in 'Gericht' will be neuter.

Lunch vs. Dinner

In Germany, the 'Hauptgericht' was historically eaten at lunch. If you're invited to a traditional home, expect the big meal at 1 PM!

The Soft CH

The 'ch' in Gericht is a soft cat-hiss sound. Practice saying 'ich' and then 'Gericht'.

Menu Reading

Look for the word 'Hauptgerichte' in bold on any German menu to find the steaks, pasta, and roasts.

Ordering

Use 'Als Hauptgericht...' to be very clear with the waiter about which dish you want as your main.

Capitalization

Always capitalize the 'H' in 'Hauptgericht' because it is a noun.

Legal Confusion

Don't be confused if you see 'Gericht' on a news site; it likely means 'court' unless it's the food section!

Regionality

If you are in Vienna, try using 'Hauptspeise' to sound more like a local.

Plural Dative

If you say 'with the main courses', it's 'mit den HauptgerichteN'. Add that extra 'n'!

Complimenting

Saying 'Das Hauptgericht war vorzüglich!' is a great way to impress a German host.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of the 'Head' (Haupt) of the 'Table' (Gericht). The Hauptgericht is the head of the table!

Association visuelle

Imagine a giant crown (Haupt/Head) sitting on a silver platter (Gericht).

Word Web

Schnitzel Braten Pasta Fleisch Fisch Gemüse Sättigung Speisekarte

Défi

Try to find five different 'Hauptgerichte' on a German menu online and translate their ingredients.

Origine du mot

A compound of 'Haupt' (Old High German 'houbit', meaning head/chief) and 'Gericht' (Old High German 'girihti', meaning arrangement/judgment).

Sens originel : The 'head arrangement' or 'primary preparation' of a meal.

Germanic

Contexte culturel

When discussing 'Hauptgericht', be aware of dietary restrictions (halal, kosher, vegan) as traditional German main courses are often pork-heavy.

Equivalent to 'main course' or 'entrée' (in the US, though 'entrée' in French means starter).

German cooking show 'Das perfekte Dinner' Menus at the 'Oktoberfest' Traditional 'Sonntagsbraten' traditions

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Restaurant

Die Speisekarte bitte.
Was ist das Hauptgericht?
Ich nehme das Schnitzel.
Haben Sie vegetarische Hauptgerichte?

Cooking at home

Was kochen wir als Hauptgericht?
Das Hauptgericht braucht noch zehn Minuten.
Soll ich das Hauptgericht schon servieren?
Ich habe ein neues Rezept für ein Hauptgericht.

Dinner Party

Das Hauptgericht war fantastisch!
Darf ich Ihnen mehr vom Hauptgericht geben?
Wer hat dieses tolle Hauptgericht zubereitet?
Ein Kompliment für das Hauptgericht!

Menu Planning

Wir brauchen ein Fisch-Hauptgericht.
Welches Hauptgericht passt zu diesem Wein?
Das Hauptgericht ist zu schwer für den Sommer.
Lass uns drei Hauptgerichte anbieten.

Culinary School

Die Präsentation des Hauptgerichts ist wichtig.
Achten Sie auf die Temperatur des Hauptgerichts.
Das Hauptgericht muss harmonisch wirken.
Verfeinern Sie das Hauptgericht mit Kräutern.

Amorces de conversation

"Was ist dein absolutes Lieblings-Hauptgericht?"

"Bestellst du im Restaurant lieber eine Vorspeise oder ein größeres Hauptgericht?"

"Welches Hauptgericht kochst du am besten, wenn du Gäste hast?"

"Glaubst du, dass ein Hauptgericht immer Fleisch enthalten muss?"

"Was war das seltsamste Hauptgericht, das du je gegessen hast?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe das beste Hauptgericht, das du jemals in einem Restaurant gegessen hast. Warum war es so besonders?

Planen Sie ein Drei-Gänge-Menü für Ihre Freunde. Welches Hauptgericht wählen Sie und warum?

Wie hat sich das typische deutsche Hauptgericht in den letzten 50 Jahren verändert?

Schreiben Sie über ein Hauptgericht aus Ihrer Kindheit, das Sie heute noch gerne essen.

Ist das Hauptgericht wichtiger als die Vorspeise und der Nachtisch? Begründen Sie Ihre Meinung.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, they are essentially synonyms. 'Hauptgericht' is slightly more formal and common on menus, while 'Hauptspeise' is very common in spoken language, especially in Southern Germany and Austria.

The gender is neuter: 'das Hauptgericht'. This is because 'Gericht' is a neuter noun.

You can say: 'Als Hauptgericht hätte ich gerne das Schnitzel' or simply 'Ich nehme das Schnitzel'.

The plural is 'die Hauptgerichte'.

Yes, 'das Gericht' also means 'the court' (legal). However, in a restaurant, it always refers to a dish.

Usually, yes. In German culture, the 'Hauptgericht' is typically a warm, cooked meal, although cold main courses exist in summer.

A 'Tellergericht' is a complete main course served on a single plate, often used for quick lunches.

'Hauptgang' refers to the position in a sequence (the main course in a 3-course meal), whereas 'Hauptgericht' refers to the food item itself.

You can ask: 'Haben Sie ein vegetarisches Hauptgericht?'

No, it is only used for lunch or dinner.

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