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A1 verb #3,200 most common 9 min read

schmecken

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips schmecken in 30 Seconds
Explanation schmecken in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'schmecken' is primarily used to express whether food tastes good or bad. You learn the basic phrase 'Das schmeckt gut' or 'Das schmeckt lecker.' It's important to understand that 'schmecken' usually takes an adverb like 'gut' to complete the meaning. You also learn the very common phrase 'Lass es dir schmecken!' which is the German equivalent of 'Enjoy your meal.' At this stage, you don't need to worry too much about complex grammar, but you should start noticing that we say 'Es schmeckt mir' (It tastes good to me) using the dative pronoun 'mir'. This is a fundamental building block for describing your likes and dislikes regarding food and drink in simple restaurant or family settings.
At the A2 level, you expand your use of 'schmecken' by incorporating a wider range of dative pronouns. You should be able to ask others 'Schmeckt es dir?' or 'Schmeckt es euch?' and answer questions about your preferences. You also begin to use the preposition 'nach' to describe what something tastes like: 'Das schmeckt nach Schokolade.' This allows for more descriptive language during meals. You'll also encounter the past tense 'Hat es geschmeckt?' which is essential for polite conversation after eating. At this level, you understand the difference between 'schmecken' (to have a taste) and 'essen' (to eat), and you can use basic adjectives like 'salzig', 'süß', or 'scharf' with 'schmecken' to provide more detail about a dish.
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By B1, you should be comfortable with the grammatical nuances of 'schmecken'. You can use it in more complex sentences, such as 'Ich finde, dass die Suppe ein bisschen nach Metall schmeckt.' You also start to distinguish 'schmecken' from its culinary cousins 'probieren' and 'kosten'. You understand that 'probieren' is the action of trying a sample, while 'schmecken' is the resulting sensation. You might also encounter the verb 'abschmecken', which is vital if you are following a German recipe or talking about cooking. Your ability to describe flavors becomes more nuanced, moving beyond 'gut' and 'schlecht' to more specific descriptors like 'würzig', 'fad', or 'herb'. You are also more aware of the cultural importance of commenting on food in German-speaking countries.
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At the B2 level, you can use 'schmecken' in a variety of idiomatic and metaphorical contexts. You understand phrases like 'Das schmeckt mir gar nicht' in a non-food context, meaning you find a situation or a proposal disagreeable. You can participate in more detailed discussions about gastronomy and flavor profiles. You might use the transitive form 'etwas schmecken' to describe the subtle detection of ingredients: 'In diesem Wein schmecke ich eine Note von Vanille.' You are also familiar with the noun 'der Geschmack' and its various applications in art, fashion, and social behavior. Your use of the verb is now fluid, correctly applying the dative case even in long, subordinate clauses without hesitation.
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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the stylistic nuances of 'schmecken'. You might use the elevated verb 'munden' for stylistic effect in formal writing or when being ironically polite. You can analyze the use of 'schmecken' in literature or high-end culinary reviews where the language is more abstract. You understand the subtle difference between 'etwas schmecken' (to perceive a flavor) and 'heraussschmecken' (to identify a specific ingredient among many). You can also discuss regional variations in usage, such as the Southern German tendency to use 'schmecken' as a synonym for 'riechen' in certain dialects, and you know why this is considered non-standard. Your command of the verb allows you to express very precise sensory experiences and opinions.
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At the C2 level, 'schmecken' and its derivatives are tools for masterful expression. You can use the word in philosophical discussions about sensory perception or aesthetic judgment ('Geschmacksurteil'). You are aware of the etymological history of the word, from its Old High German roots meaning 'to perceive' or 'to smell' to its modern culinary focus. You can play with the word in puns, poetry, or sophisticated rhetorical arguments. You understand the most obscure idioms and can use the verb in highly specialized domains like enology (wine science) or food chemistry. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, incorporating perfect grammar, rich vocabulary, and appropriate register for any given situation.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

schmecken in 30 Seconds

  • Schmecken means to taste and is used to describe food quality.
  • The person who tastes goes in the dative case (mir, dir, etc.).
  • Use 'nach' to say something tastes like something else.
  • It's a regular verb but grammatically different from the English equivalent.

The German verb schmecken is a cornerstone of daily communication, primarily revolving around the sensory experience of eating and drinking. At its most fundamental level, it corresponds to the English verb 'to taste'. However, its grammatical application is distinct and often trips up English speakers. In German, the food is typically the subject of the sentence, and the person experiencing the taste is the indirect object in the dative case. This nuance is crucial for achieving natural-sounding German. When you say 'Das Essen schmeckt gut,' you are literally saying 'The food tastes good.' But when you add a person, 'Das Essen schmeckt mir gut,' it translates more closely to 'The food tastes good to me' or 'I like the taste of the food.'

Primary Usage
Used to describe the flavor of food or drink, or to state whether one enjoys that flavor.

Der Apfelkuchen schmeckt hervorragend.

Beyond the simple 'tasting good,' the verb is used to identify specific flavors using the preposition 'nach'. For example, if something tastes like strawberries, you would say 'Es schmeckt nach Erdbeeren.' This construction is vital for describing complex flavor profiles in culinary contexts. Furthermore, schmecken can be used transitively, though less commonly in basic conversation, to mean the act of detecting a flavor: 'Ich schmecke den Knoblauch kaum' (I can hardly taste the garlic).

Social Context
It is a polite necessity at dinner parties or restaurants to comment on the food using this verb. Omitting it when asked 'Schmeckt's?' can sometimes be perceived as subtle dissatisfaction.

Wie schmeckt dir der Wein?

In a broader, more metaphorical sense, 'schmecken' can appear in idioms related to liking or disliking a situation. If a plan doesn't 'schmecken' to someone, it means they find it unpalatable or disagreeable. This shows the depth of the word beyond just the tongue's receptors. Understanding 'schmecken' involves mastering the dative case, the preposition 'nach', and the cultural etiquette of German dining. It is one of the first verbs a learner should master to navigate social interactions involving food, which are central to German culture.

Grammar Tip
Remember: The thing being tasted is the Nominative subject. The person tasting is the Dative object. 'Mir schmeckt der Fisch' (The fish is tasty to me).

Es schmeckt nach mehr!

Das schmeckt mir überhaupt nicht.

Using schmecken correctly requires a shift in perspective for English speakers. While we say 'I taste the soup,' in German, the soup is usually doing the 'tasting' (having a flavor). Let's explore the three main ways this verb functions in a sentence.

1. Intransitive (General Quality)
Here, the verb stands with an adverb like 'gut', 'schlecht', or 'bitter' to describe the inherent quality of the food. Example: 'Die Suppe schmeckt salzig.'

Dieses Bier schmeckt sehr herb.

The second and most common structure involves the dative case. When you want to say you like something, you use 'mir' (to me). 'Der Käse schmeckt mir' implies the cheese is tasty to you. If you don't like it, you simply add 'nicht'. This is the standard way to express preference during a meal. Note that 'schmecken' alone, without 'gut', often implies 'to taste good' in casual conversation: 'Hat es geschmeckt?' (Did it taste good? / Did you enjoy it?).

2. With Prepositions (Flavor Comparison)
To describe what something tastes *like*, use 'nach' plus the dative. 'Das Wasser schmeckt nach Chlor' (The water tastes like chlorine).

Es schmeckt nach Urlaub und Meer.

The third usage is transitive, where the person is the subject and the food is the object. This is used when you are actively trying to identify a flavor. 'Ich schmecke den Zimt im Kuchen' (I can taste/detect the cinnamon in the cake). This usage is more about the perception of individual ingredients rather than the overall enjoyment of the dish.

3. Transitive (Detection)
Subject (Person) + Verb + Accusative Object (Flavor/Food). 'Schmeckst du das Salz?' (Do you taste the salt?).

Können Sie den Unterschied schmecken?

In summary, 'schmecken' is a versatile verb that adapts to whether you are describing a quality, expressing a personal preference, or identifying a specific component of a dish. Mastery of these patterns is essential for any learner moving beyond basic vocabulary into functional, real-world German conversation.

In the German-speaking world, food is not just sustenance; it is a social event. Consequently, schmecken is ubiquitous. You will hear it in restaurants, at family dinners, in supermarkets, and even in business settings where 'tasting' a plan or an idea is mentioned metaphorically. The most frequent place you will encounter it is at the end of a meal or between courses.

The Restaurant Setting
Waiters in Germany are professional but often direct. They will almost always ask: 'Hat es Ihnen geschmeckt?' (Did it taste [good] to you?). The expected answer is usually 'Ja, sehr gut, danke.'

Hat es Ihnen geschmeckt, meine Herrschaften?

In domestic life, the phrase 'Lass es dir schmecken!' or the plural 'Lasst es euch schmecken!' is the standard German equivalent of 'Bon appétit.' It is said before the first bite is taken. You will hear this from friends, colleagues in the 'Kantine' (cafeteria), and family members. It is considered slightly impolite to start eating before this sentiment has been exchanged or at least acknowledged with a 'Danke, gleichfalls!' (Thanks, likewise!).

Metaphorical Use
In politics or business, you might hear 'Das schmeckt mir gar nicht,' referring to a new regulation or a competitor's move. It implies the situation is 'hard to swallow' or 'distasteful.'

Diese Entscheidung schmeckt der Opposition überhaupt nicht.

Furthermore, in cooking shows—which are very popular in Germany—chefs use 'schmecken' constantly to describe the balance of flavors. Phrases like 'Wir müssen das noch einmal abschmecken' (We need to season/taste-test this one more time) are standard. Here, 'abschmecken' is a related verb specifically meaning to season a dish until the taste is perfect. Whether you are at a high-end gala or a local Currywurst stand, the vocabulary of 'schmecken' will be your primary tool for navigating the German culinary landscape.

Regional Variations
In some dialects, 'schmecken' can even refer to the sense of smell, though this is rare in standard 'Hochdeutsch' and can lead to confusion!

Lass es dir schmecken!

For English speakers, schmecken is a 'false friend' in terms of grammar, leading to several persistent errors. The most frequent mistake is using the nominative case for the person instead of the dative. Because we say 'I taste the soup,' learners often say 'Ich schmecke die Suppe' when they actually mean 'I like the soup.' While 'Ich schmecke die Suppe' is grammatically possible, it means you are perceiving the flavor, not that you enjoy it. To say you like it, you *must* use 'Die Suppe schmeckt mir.'

Mistake 1: Case Confusion
Incorrect: 'Ich schmecke gut' (I taste good - sounds like you are edible). Correct: 'Es schmeckt mir gut' (It tastes good to me).

Falsch: Ich schmecke den Kuchen (meaning 'I like the cake').

Another common error is confusing 'schmecken' with 'probieren' or 'kosten'. While 'schmecken' is about the sensory result, 'probieren' is the action of taking a bite to see what it's like. If someone asks you to 'try' their food, you 'probieren' it. After you have tried it, you can say it 'schmeckt' good. Using 'schmecken' for the action of trying can sound strange in many contexts.

Mistake 2: Missing 'nach'
Incorrect: 'Es schmeckt wie Apfel.' Correct: 'Es schmeckt nach Apfel.' While 'wie' is sometimes heard, 'nach' is the standard preposition for flavor comparison.

Das schmeckt nach Plastik.

Lastly, learners often forget that 'schmecken' is a regular verb in its conjugation but requires the dative pronoun. 'Du schmeckst mir' is a very strange thing to say (it means 'You taste good to me', which is quite suggestive or cannibalistic!). Always ensure the subject is the food item and the person is in the dative case (mir, dir, ihm, ihr, uns, euch, ihnen).

Mistake 3: Overusing 'gut'
In German, simply saying 'Es schmeckt!' implies it tastes good. Adding 'gut' is fine, but not always necessary.

Hauptsache, es schmeckt!

To sound more sophisticated in German, you should expand your vocabulary beyond the basic schmecken. Depending on the context—whether you are at a five-star restaurant or a casual BBQ—different words might be more appropriate.

Probieren / Kosten
These verbs refer to the *action* of tasting. 'Möchtest du mal probieren?' (Would you like to try/taste some?). 'Kosten' is slightly more formal or used in the context of sampling products.

Darf ich mal probieren?

For a more elevated or poetic register, you might encounter the verb munden. This is an old-fashioned, very formal way of saying 'to taste good.' You might see it in traditional restaurant reviews or hear it from an older host trying to be particularly polite: 'Hat es Ihnen gemundet?' (Did it please your palate?). It is not used in daily slang or casual settings.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

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Neutral

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Informal

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Child friendly

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Slang

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Fun Fact

In some old dialects, it still means 'to smell', which is why some older Germans might say 'Das schmeckt gut' when they actually mean something smells good!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈʃmɛkən/
US /ˈʃmɛkən/
The stress is on the first syllable: SCHME-cken.
Rhymes With
wecken becken decken stecken ecken flecken necken strecken
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'sch' like 's'.
  • Making the 'e' too long like 'ay'.
  • Swallowing the final 'n'.
  • Pronouncing 'ck' like 'ch'.
  • Confusing the vowel with 'i' (schmicken).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as it usually appears with food words.

Writing 3/5

Difficult due to the dative case requirement (mir/dir).

Speaking 2/5

Common in set phrases, which makes it easier to learn by heart.

Listening 1/5

Clear pronunciation and distinct 'sch' sound make it easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

gut essen trinken mir dir

Learn Next

lecker probieren süß sauer salzig

Advanced

munden abschmecken herausschmecken der Geschmack

Grammar to Know

Dative Verbs

Es schmeckt *mir*.

Preposition 'nach' with Dative

Es schmeckt nach *dem* Apfel.

Separable Verbs

Ich schmecke den Zimt *heraus*.

Perfekt Tense with 'haben'

Es *hat* gut *geschmeckt*.

Adverbs vs Adjectives

Das schmeckt *gut* (adverbial use).

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Examples by Level

1

Das Brot schmeckt gut.

The bread tastes good.

Simple subject-verb-adverb structure.

2

Es schmeckt mir.

I like the taste of it.

Uses dative 'mir'.

3

Schmeckt die Pizza?

Does the pizza taste good?

Question form.

4

Lass es dir schmecken!

Enjoy your meal!

Standard idiomatic expression.

5

Der Kaffee schmeckt bitter.

The coffee tastes bitter.

Adjective 'bitter' describes the taste.

6

Das schmeckt nicht gut.

That doesn't taste good.

Negation with 'nicht'.

7

Schmeckt es euch?

Do you guys like the taste?

Dative plural 'euch'.

8

Die Suppe schmeckt lecker.

The soup tastes delicious.

'Lecker' is a common A1 synonym for 'gut'.

1

Hat es dir geschmeckt?

Did you enjoy it?

Perfekt tense with 'haben'.

2

Das Eis schmeckt nach Erdbeere.

The ice cream tastes like strawberry.

Preposition 'nach' + dative.

3

Mir schmeckt der Fisch heute nicht.

I don't like the fish today.

Dative 'mir' at the start for emphasis.

4

Schmeckt das Wasser nach Chlor?

Does the water taste like chlorine?

Flavor identification with 'nach'.

5

Der Kuchen schmeckt sehr süß.

The cake tastes very sweet.

Adverb 'sehr' modifies the adjective.

6

Wie schmeckt das neue Bier?

How does the new beer taste?

Interrogative 'wie'.

7

Die Nudeln schmecken ohne Salz fad.

The pasta tastes bland without salt.

Using 'fad' (bland).

8

Es hat uns allen sehr gut geschmeckt.

We all liked it very much.

Dative 'uns allen'.

1

Ich schmecke den Knoblauch in der Soße.

I can taste the garlic in the sauce.

Transitive usage (detecting flavor).

2

Die Milch schmeckt schon ein bisschen sauer.

The milk already tastes a bit sour.

Describing spoiled food.

3

Kannst du die Kräuter heraussschmecken?

Can you taste the individual herbs?

Separable verb 'herausschmecken'.

4

Das Fleisch schmeckt nach Rauch.

The meat tastes of smoke.

'Nach' used for sensory qualities.

5

Der Wein schmeckt mir viel besser als der letzte.

I like this wine much better than the last one.

Comparative structure.

6

Man muss die Suppe noch einmal abschmecken.

One must season/taste the soup once more.

Culinary term 'abschmecken'.

7

Schmeckt es dir etwa nicht?

Don't you like it, then?

Particle 'etwa' for surprise/emphasis.

8

Dieser Käse schmeckt sehr kräftig.

This cheese has a very strong taste.

Adjective 'kräftig' (strong/robust).

1

Die Nachricht schmeckt ihm ganz und gar nicht.

He doesn't like that news at all.

Metaphorical/figurative usage.

2

Ich konnte keine Spur von Zimt schmecken.

I couldn't taste a trace of cinnamon.

Transitive use with 'Spur von'.

3

Es schmeckt, als wäre zu viel Essig darin.

It tastes as if there were too much vinegar in it.

Subjunctive II after 'als wäre'.

4

Der Tee schmeckt nach einer Mischung aus Minze und Zitrone.

The tea tastes like a mix of mint and lemon.

Complex 'nach' construction.

5

Hat der Braten deinem Vater geschmeckt?

Did your father like the roast?

Dative 'deinem Vater'.

6

Das schmeckt nach harter Arbeit.

That tastes like/smacks of hard work.

Metaphorical comparison.

7

Können Sie den Unterschied zwischen den beiden Sorten schmecken?

Can you taste the difference between the two varieties?

Transitive 'schmecken'.

8

Die Suppe ist perfekt abgeschmeckt.

The soup is perfectly seasoned.

Participle used as adjective.

1

Der Erfolg hat ihm erst so richtig geschmeckt.

He only truly enjoyed the success then.

Abstract metaphorical use.

2

Er konnte den Verrat förmlich schmecken.

He could literally taste the betrayal.

Synesthetic metaphor.

3

Die Kritik schmeckt der Regierung überhaupt nicht.

The government doesn't like the criticism at all.

Political context.

4

Der Wein schmeckt im Abgang leicht nussig.

The wine has a slightly nutty finish.

Specialized culinary vocabulary ('Abgang').

5

Ich schmecke eine feine Note von Eichenholz heraus.

I can identify a subtle note of oak.

Precision with 'herausschmecken'.

6

Das Ganze schmeckt nach einer abgekarteten Sache.

The whole thing tastes like a rigged deal.

Idiomatic comparison.

7

Es schmeckt mir ungemein, wie du das Problem gelöst hast.

I really like how you solved that problem.

Highly figurative/stylistic use.

8

Die Speisen mundeten den Gästen vorzüglich.

The dishes tasted excellent to the guests.

Elevated synonym 'munden'.

1

Das Urteil schmeckt nach politischer Willkür.

The verdict smacks of political arbitrariness.

High-level abstract noun usage.

2

Er hat Blut geleckt und will nun mehr.

He has tasted blood (gotten a taste for it) and now wants more.

Idiom 'Blut lecken' (related to tasting).

3

Die feine Balance der Aromen ist schwer zu schmecken.

The delicate balance of aromas is difficult to perceive.

Nuanced sensory analysis.

4

Diese Ironie muss man sich auf der Zunge zergehen lassen und schmecken.

One must savor and taste this irony.

Double metaphor.

5

Es schmeckt nach dem fahlen Beigeschmack der Niederlage.

It tastes of the stale aftertaste of defeat.

Complex poetic imagery.

6

Der Kenner schmeckt die Terroir-Einflüsse sofort heraus.

The connoisseur identifies the terroir influences immediately.

Expert terminology.

7

Die Reform schmeckt nach dem faden Geist der Bürokratie.

The reform smacks of the bland spirit of bureaucracy.

Sophisticated social commentary.

8

Man schmeckt förmlich die salzige Meeresbrise in diesem Gericht.

One can literally taste the salty sea breeze in this dish.

Synesthetic description.

Common Collocations

gut schmecken
nach nichts schmecken
nach mehr schmecken
jemandem schmecken
bitter schmecken
süß schmecken
würzig schmecken
einfach herrlich schmecken
kaum zu schmecken sein
hervorragend schmecken

Common Phrases

Lass es dir schmecken!

— Standard way to say 'Enjoy your meal' to one person.

Hier ist dein Steak. Lass es dir schmecken!

Hat es geschmeckt?

— Common question asked by a host or waiter after a meal.

Hat es Ihnen geschmeckt? - Ja, danke!

Das schmeckt nach Urlaub.

— Used when food reminds someone of a vacation.

Dieser Wein schmeckt nach Urlaub in Italien.

Wie schmeckt's?

— Casual way to ask 'How is the food?'.

Na, wie schmeckt's euch?

Es schmeckt mir ausgezeichnet.

— A polite and strong way to say you love the food.

Danke für die Einladung, es schmeckt mir ausgezeichnet.

Das schmeckt mir gar nicht.

— Can refer to food or a situation you don't like.

Diese neue Regelung schmeckt mir gar nicht.

Schmeckt's?

— The shortest possible way to ask if the food is good.

Und? Schmeckt's?

Hauptsache, es schmeckt.

— The most important thing is that it tastes good.

Die Torte sieht zwar komisch aus, aber Hauptsache, es schmeckt.

Das schmeckt nach Plastik.

— Common complaint about artificial-tasting food.

Dieses Fertiggericht schmeckt nach Plastik.

Es schmeckt mir immer noch.

— I still like the taste of it.

Ich esse das jeden Tag, und es schmeckt mir immer noch.

Often Confused With

schmecken vs probieren

Probieren is the action of trying; schmecken is the sensation of flavor.

schmecken vs riechen

Riechen is with the nose; schmecken is with the mouth (except in some dialects).

schmecken vs fühlen

Fühlen is tactile; schmecken is gustatory.

Idioms & Expressions

"Blut lecken"

— To get a taste for something and want more.

Er hat im Praktikum Blut geleckt und will nun Chirurg werden.

informal
"Sich etwas schmecken lassen"

— To enjoy eating something heartily.

Wir lassen uns das Bier jetzt schmecken.

neutral
"Das schmeckt nach mehr"

— It's so good that I want another portion.

Die Pralinen schmecken nach mehr!

informal
"Jemandem die Suppe versalzen"

— To spoil someone's plans (related to taste).

Er hat mir die Suppe versalzen.

informal
"Den Braten riechen"

— To suspect something (related to food/smell).

Ich habe den Braten schon gerochen.

informal
"Das ist nicht mein Geschmack"

— That is not to my liking (using the noun).

Diese Musik ist nicht mein Geschmack.

neutral
"Über Geschmack lässt sich nicht streiten"

— There's no accounting for taste.

Er mag gelbe Socken. Tja, über Geschmack lässt sich nicht streiten.

neutral
"Einen faden Beigeschmack haben"

— To leave a bad impression or a sense of unease.

Sein Sieg hatte einen faden Beigeschmack.

neutral
"Auf den Geschmack kommen"

— To start liking something.

Ich bin erst spät auf den Geschmack von Oliven gekommen.

neutral
"Das schmeckt nach Arbeit"

— That sounds like a lot of work.

Dieses Projekt schmeckt nach Überstunden.

informal

Easily Confused

schmecken vs probieren

Both translate to 'taste' in some English contexts.

Probieren is the deliberate act of testing food. Schmecken is the resulting flavor experience.

Ich probiere die Suppe, um zu sehen, ob sie schmeckt.

schmecken vs kosten

Both can mean 'to taste'.

Kosten is often used for sampling or when price is involved (though not always). It's more formal than probieren.

Darf ich eine Traube kosten?

schmecken vs munden

Both mean to taste good.

Munden is very formal and slightly archaic. You wouldn't use it with friends.

Mundete Ihnen der Wein?

schmecken vs riechen

Sensory confusion.

Riechen is for odors (nose), schmecken is for flavors (mouth).

Der Käse riecht schlecht, aber er schmeckt gut.

schmecken vs genießen

Both relate to food enjoyment.

Genießen is 'to enjoy' (the experience), schmecken is specifically about the flavor.

Ich genieße das Essen, weil es so gut schmeckt.

Sentence Patterns

A1

[Food] schmeckt [Adverb].

Die Pizza schmeckt gut.

A1

Es schmeckt [Dative Pronoun].

Es schmeckt mir.

A2

Hat es [Dative Pronoun] geschmeckt?

Hat es euch geschmeckt?

A2

[Food] schmeckt nach [Noun].

Das Eis schmeckt nach Vanille.

B1

Ich schmecke [Noun] [Prepositional Phrase].

Ich schmecke den Pfeffer in der Suppe.

B2

[Abstract Subject] schmeckt [Dative Pronoun] nicht.

Der Plan schmeckt mir nicht.

C1

[Food] schmeckt [Adjective] im Abgang.

Der Wein schmeckt fruchtig im Abgang.

C2

[Subject] schmeckt nach [Abstract Concept].

Das schmeckt nach Verrat.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

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How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life.

Common Mistakes
  • Ich schmecke gut. → Es schmeckt mir gut.

    The first one means you are tasty; the second means you like the food.

  • Das schmeckt wie Apfel. → Das schmeckt nach Apfel.

    'Nach' is the correct preposition for flavor comparison.

  • Ich habe die Suppe geschmeckt. → Ich habe die Suppe probiert.

    Use 'probiert' for the action of trying a sample.

  • Schmeckt es dich? → Schmeckt es dir?

    'Schmecken' requires the dative 'dir', not the accusative 'dich'.

  • Das schmeckt mir lecker. → Das schmeckt lecker / Das schmeckt mir gut.

    'Lecker' is usually used without 'mir' as an adjective, or use 'gut' with 'mir'.

Tips

Dative Case

Always pair 'schmecken' with dative pronouns like 'mir', 'dir', 'ihm' when expressing personal preference.

Table Manners

Wait for the host to say 'Lass es dir schmecken' before you start eating.

Flavor Adjectives

Learn words like 'süß', 'sauer', 'salzig', and 'bitter' to use with schmecken.

Casual Questions

Use the short 'Schmeckt's?' when eating with friends to keep it natural.

Avoid 'wie'

Try to use 'nach' instead of 'wie' when saying something tastes like something else.

In the Kitchen

Use 'abschmecken' when talking about the process of seasoning your food.

Abstract Use

Don't be afraid to use 'schmecken' for situations you find 'distasteful'.

Sharp 'ck'

Make sure the 'ck' in 'schmecken' is short and sharp, not soft.

Mix it up

Use 'lecker' and 'köstlich' to avoid repeating 'gut' too often.

Restaurant Cues

If a waiter says something ending in '...geschmeckt?', they are asking if you liked the food.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Smack'. When you 'smack' your lips, it's because the food 'schmeckt' good.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant tongue tasting a cake. The tongue is wearing a hat that says 'Dative' to remind you of 'mir'.

Word Web

Zunge Essen Trinken Lecker Gut Mir Nach Salzig

Challenge

Go to a German restaurant and use 'schmecken' three times: once to ask a friend, once to tell the waiter, and once to describe a flavor.

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle High German 'smacken' and Old High German 'smackēn'.

Original meaning: Originally meant 'to perceive' or 'to smell' as well as 'to taste'.

Germanic, related to the English word 'smack' (in the sense of a taste or flavor).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'schmecken' with people ('Du schmeckst gut') as it is highly suggestive.

English speakers often say 'I like the food', but Germans focus on the food's quality using 'schmecken'.

The TV show 'The Taste' (German version) German culinary magazines like 'Der Feinschmecker' Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's writings on sensory perception

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

In a restaurant

  • Hat es Ihnen geschmeckt?
  • Es hat sehr gut geschmeckt.
  • Die Rechnung, bitte. Es hat geschmeckt.
  • Das schmeckt mir leider nicht.

At home

  • Lass es dir schmecken!
  • Schmeckt dir das Essen?
  • Möchtest du mal schmecken?
  • Das schmeckt wie bei Oma.

Cooking

  • Ich muss die Soße abschmecken.
  • Schmeckst du den Knoblauch?
  • Das schmeckt noch nach nichts.
  • Ein bisschen Salz fehlt noch.

Buying food

  • Darf ich mal kosten?
  • Wie schmeckt dieser Käse?
  • Schmeckt das Brot frisch?
  • Ich suche etwas, das nicht so süß schmeckt.

Metaphorical

  • Das schmeckt mir gar nicht.
  • Er hat Blut geleckt.
  • Das schmeckt nach Ärger.
  • Über Geschmack lässt sich nicht streiten.

Conversation Starters

"Wie schmeckt dir das Essen in diesem Restaurant?"

"Welches Gericht schmeckt dir am besten, wenn du traurig bist?"

"Schmeckt dir Kaffee besser mit oder ohne Zucker?"

"Gibt es etwas, das dir als Kind nicht geschmeckt hat, aber jetzt schon?"

"Schmeckt das Leitungswasser in deiner Stadt gut?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe dein Lieblingsessen. Warum schmeckt es dir so gut? Welche Erinnerungen hast du daran?

Warst du schon einmal in einem Restaurant, in dem es dir überhaupt nicht geschmeckt hat? Was ist passiert?

Was schmeckt für dich nach 'Heimat'? Beschreibe die Aromen und Gefühle.

Kochst du gerne? Wie wichtig ist es dir, ein Gericht perfekt abzuschmecken?

Denkst du, dass man Geschmack lernen kann? Wie hat sich dein Geschmack über die Jahre verändert?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Only if you mean you are delicious to eat! To say you like the food, say 'Es schmeckt mir gut.' This is the most common mistake for beginners.

'Schmecken' is a verb ('to taste'), while 'lecker' is an adjective ('tasty'). You use 'schmecken' to form a sentence: 'Es schmeckt gut.' You use 'lecker' to describe the food: 'Das ist lecker.'

In casual conversation, if someone asks 'Schmeckt's?', they are asking if it's good. But technically, 'schmecken' needs an adverb like 'gut', 'schlecht', or 'bitter' to specify the taste.

Use the preposition 'nach' followed by a noun in the dative case. For example: 'Es schmeckt nach Fisch' (It tastes like fish).

It's the standard German way to say 'Enjoy your meal.' It literally means 'Let it taste [good] to you.'

Yes, it follows the regular conjugation pattern: ich schmecke, du schmeckst, er/sie/es schmeckt, wir schmecken, ihr schmeckt, sie schmecken.

Use 'abschmecken' when you are cooking and you want to say you are seasoning and testing the flavor to get it just right.

Yes, metaphorically. 'Das schmeckt mir nicht' can mean 'I don't like this situation' or 'This plan doesn't appeal to me.'

It's a polite social convention. They want to know if you enjoyed the meal. It's similar to 'How was your meal?' in English.

'Der Geschmack' is the noun form, meaning 'the taste' or 'the flavor'. It can also mean 'style' or 'personal preference' in fashion or art.

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