In 15 Seconds
- To cook food outdoors over charcoal or gas.
- A major social event involving friends, meat, and salads.
- The ultimate German summer activity for parks and gardens.
Meaning
Grillen is the beloved German pastime of cooking food over an open fire or charcoal, usually outdoors with friends and a cold drink. It is less about the culinary technique and more about the social ritual of gathering during the warmer months.
Key Examples
3 of 6Texting a friend on a sunny day
Hast du Lust, heute Abend zu grillen?
Do you feel like grilling tonight?
At a garden party
Der Grillmeister macht die besten Würstchen.
The grill master makes the best sausages.
A company announcement
Am Freitag wollen wir gemeinsam im Hof grillen.
On Friday, we want to grill together in the courtyard.
Cultural Background
The 'Grillmeister' is usually the host. It's a point of pride to have the perfect 'Glut' (embers) before putting the meat on. This region is famous for the 'Thüringer Rostbratwurst'. Grilling it is a protected cultural heritage. Public parks like Tempelhofer Feld have massive designated grilling areas where hundreds of people gather. They use a 'Schwenker' (swinging grill). It's a unique regional tradition that differs from the rest of Germany.
Bring something!
If invited to grill, always ask 'Soll ich einen Salat mitbringen?' It's the golden rule of German BBQ etiquette.
Check the rules
Before grilling in a park, look for a sign that says 'Grillen erlaubt'. Otherwise, you might get a fine.
In 15 Seconds
- To cook food outdoors over charcoal or gas.
- A major social event involving friends, meat, and salads.
- The ultimate German summer activity for parks and gardens.
What It Means
Grillen is the German word for grilling or having a barbecue. In Germany, this isn't just a way to cook food; it is a national sport. When someone asks if you want to grillen, they are inviting you to a social gathering. It usually involves a charcoal grill, plenty of meat, and a variety of side salads. It is the ultimate symbol of German summer and relaxation after a long work week.
How To Use It
You use grillen just like the English verb "to grill." You can say Wir grillen heute (We are grilling today) or use it as a noun, das Grillen. If you are invited to a Grillparty, you are expected to bring something. Usually, the host provides the basic meat, but it is polite to bring a salad or drinks. Don't be surprised if the host takes their role as Grillmeister (grill master) very seriously. It is a position of high honor and responsibility!
When To Use It
Use this phrase the moment the sun comes out and the temperature hits 15 degrees Celsius. Germans love to grillen in their gardens, on their balconies, or in public parks. It is perfect for birthdays, family reunions, or just a casual Tuesday evening. If you are texting a friend on a Friday afternoon, a simple "Grillen morgen?" (Grilling tomorrow?) is the perfect way to start the weekend. It is a very versatile word that fits almost any casual social context.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use grillen if you are cooking meat in a pan inside your kitchen. That is called braten. Also, avoid using it in very formal business settings unless the company is literally hosting a BBQ. If you are at a high-end steakhouse, you wouldn't say the chef is grillen your steak; you would talk about how it is prepared. And remember, never tell a Grillmeister how to do their job—that is a social faux pas of the highest order!
Cultural Background
In Germany, grillen is a sacred ritual. There is even a concept called Angrillen, which is the first barbecue of the year, often happening while there is still snow on the ground. The opposite is Abgrillen, the final one in autumn. The classic German grill features Bratwurst, Schwenker (marinated pork neck), and the legendary Kartoffelsalat (potato salad). While gas grills are becoming popular, many purists insist that it isn't real grillen unless you use Holzkohle (charcoal) and wait for that perfect white ash.
Common Variations
You will often hear Grillabend (grill evening) or Grillfest (grill party). If someone says Wir gehen grillen, they mean they are heading to a park or a lake to set up a portable grill. Another fun term is Grillzange (grill tongs), the only tool a true master needs. Recently, vegetarisch grillen has become huge, with grilled halloumi and vegetables joining the traditional sausages on the rack. No matter what you cook, the vibe remains the same: relaxed, smoky, and very German.
Usage Notes
The verb 'grillen' is very straightforward and follows regular conjugation. It is socially neutral, though the act itself is almost always informal and relaxed.
Bring something!
If invited to grill, always ask 'Soll ich einen Salat mitbringen?' It's the golden rule of German BBQ etiquette.
Check the rules
Before grilling in a park, look for a sign that says 'Grillen erlaubt'. Otherwise, you might get a fine.
The 'Angrillen' flex
Tell your German friends you went 'Angrillen' in March to sound like a true local who isn't afraid of a little cold.
Examples
6Hast du Lust, heute Abend zu grillen?
Do you feel like grilling tonight?
A very common way to suggest a casual hangout.
Der Grillmeister macht die besten Würstchen.
The grill master makes the best sausages.
Using the term 'Grillmeister' adds a touch of respect or humor.
Am Freitag wollen wir gemeinsam im Hof grillen.
On Friday, we want to grill together in the courtyard.
Shows that 'grillen' is acceptable even in professional but relaxed environments.
Es regnet, wir können leider nicht grillen.
It's raining; unfortunately, we can't grill.
A common disappointment in German summers.
Mein Nachbar grillt sogar im Winter bei Schnee!
My neighbor even grills in winter in the snow!
Refers to the hardcore 'Wintergrillen' enthusiasts.
Ich bringe das Fleisch und den Salat zum Grillen mit.
I'll bring the meat and the salad for the barbecue.
Standard phrase for coordinating a potluck-style BBQ.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'grillen'.
Im Sommer ________ wir fast jedes Wochenende im Garten.
The subject is 'wir' (we), so the verb ending must be '-en'.
Which sentence is correct?
A) Ich mache Grillen heute. B) Ich grille heute. C) Ich backe Grillen heute.
'Grillen' is a verb in German, so 'Ich grille' is the correct way to say 'I am grilling'.
Match the German word with its English meaning.
1. {der|m} Grill, 2. {die|f} Kohle, 3. {die|f} Wurst, 4. {der|m} Garten
These are the essential vocabulary items for a German BBQ.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hast du Lust am Samstag zu ________? B: Ja! Ich bringe das Fleisch mit.
The context of bringing meat for a Saturday activity points to 'grillen'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Was braucht man zum Grillen?
Hardware
- • {der|m} Grill
- • {die|f} Kohle
- • {die|f} Zange
Essen
- • {die|f} Wurst
- • {das|n} Fleisch
- • {der|m} Mais
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIm Sommer ________ wir fast jedes Wochenende im Garten.
The subject is 'wir' (we), so the verb ending must be '-en'.
A) Ich mache Grillen heute. B) Ich grille heute. C) Ich backe Grillen heute.
'Grillen' is a verb in German, so 'Ich grille' is the correct way to say 'I am grilling'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the essential vocabulary items for a German BBQ.
A: Hast du Lust am Samstag zu ________? B: Ja! Ich bringe das Fleisch mit.
The context of bringing meat for a Saturday activity points to 'grillen'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt depends on your rental contract. Generally, electric grills are okay, but charcoal is often forbidden due to smoke.
The Bratwurst is king, followed closely by marinated pork steaks (Nackensteaks).
Not anymore! Grilled vegetables, halloumi, and vegan sausages are extremely common now.
It's dough wrapped around a stick and grilled over an open fire, very popular with kids.
Charcoal (Holzkohle) is traditional and preferred for flavor, but gas grills are becoming very popular for convenience.
It's a ban on grilling, usually issued by cities during dry summers to prevent forest fires.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
It's {der|m} Grillmeister.
A disposable aluminum grill. They are controversial because they produce a lot of waste.
Usually, the host provides the meat, but it's best to ask: 'Soll ich mein eigenes Fleisch mitbringen?'
Related Phrases
angrillen
specialized formTo have the first BBQ of the season.
{die|f} Grillparty
builds onA BBQ party.
{der|m} Grillmeister
specialized formThe person in charge of the grill.
barbecue
synonymBarbecue.
