Meaning
Indicates that personal preference is the deciding factor, not objective truth.
Cultural Background
Germans value 'Ehrlichkeit' (honesty), so they might tell you directly if they don't like something. 'Geschmackssache' is the polite way to soften that blow. In Vienna, 'Geschmackssache' might be used with a bit more 'Schmäh' (sarcasm/humor) to subtly criticize something while appearing polite. The Swiss emphasis on neutrality makes this phrase a staple in public discourse to avoid taking sides in aesthetic debates. In German-speaking internet forums (like Reddit's r/de), 'Geschmackssache' is often used to end 'Flame Wars' about video games or tech brands.
The 'Polite Out'
Use this phrase when you want to stop an argument about something subjective. It's the ultimate social 'reset' button.
Don't use for facts
If you use it for something like 'The capital of Germany is Munich,' people will think you are joking or confused.
Meaning
Indicates that personal preference is the deciding factor, not objective truth.
The 'Polite Out'
Use this phrase when you want to stop an argument about something subjective. It's the ultimate social 'reset' button.
Don't use for facts
If you use it for something like 'The capital of Germany is Munich,' people will think you are joking or confused.
The 'Jedem das Seine' Caution
While synonymous, 'Jedem das Seine' has Nazi associations. Stick to 'Geschmackssache' to be safe and modern.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Ob man lieber Tee oder Kaffee trinkt, ist ________.
The correct spelling requires the 'Fugen-s' and the singular form of 'Sache'.
In which situation is 'Das ist Geschmackssache' NOT appropriate?
Choose the wrong context:
Math is an objective fact, not a matter of taste.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: 'Ich finde diesen neuen Song schrecklich!' B: 'Echt? Ich liebe ihn! ________.'
This phrase perfectly resolves the disagreement about the song.
Match the phrase variation to the correct register.
Match: 1. 'Über Geschmack lässt sich nicht streiten' 2. 'Ist halt Geschmackssache, ne?'
The proverbial form is more formal, while the 'halt... ne?' construction is very casual.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesOb man lieber Tee oder Kaffee trinkt, ist ________.
The correct spelling requires the 'Fugen-s' and the singular form of 'Sache'.
Choose the wrong context:
Math is an objective fact, not a matter of taste.
A: 'Ich finde diesen neuen Song schrecklich!' B: 'Echt? Ich liebe ihn! ________.'
This phrase perfectly resolves the disagreement about the song.
Match: 1. 'Über Geschmack lässt sich nicht streiten' 2. 'Ist halt Geschmackssache, ne?'
The proverbial form is more formal, while the 'halt... ne?' construction is very casual.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is one compound word. In German, when you combine nouns, they become a single word.
Yes, both are correct. 'Das ist' is slightly more common when pointing to a specific thing just mentioned.
No, it's generally very polite. It's a way to acknowledge someone else's opinion without having to agree with it.
The plural is 'Geschmackssachen,' but it is almost never used. The concept is usually discussed in the singular.
No, it refers to aesthetic taste in art, music, fashion, and general lifestyle choices as well.
You can say 'Das ist eine Frage des persönlichen Geschmacks.'
Yes, if discussing subjective things like design or office culture. 'Die Wahl der Software ist oft Geschmackssache.'
'Geschmackssache' is for likes/dislikes (pizza, music). 'Ansichtssache' is for opinions/perspectives (politics, strategies).
It's a 'Fugen-s,' a linking element used in German compound nouns to make them easier to pronounce.
A common casual way to say it is 'Jeder wie er mag' (Everyone as they like).
Related Phrases
Ansichtssache
similarA matter of perspective/opinion.
Ermessenssache
specialized formA matter of discretion.
Glaubensfrage
similarA matter of faith/conviction.
Jedem das Seine
synonymTo each his own.
