German · Food & Drink

"Pepper (spice)" in German: Pfeffer

der Pfeffer

Say it: PFEFF-ermasculine · der Pfeffernoun/ˈpfɛfɐ/

Pepper as a spice in German is der Pfeffer, masculine. Ask for Pfeffer bitte with food. (Bell pepper is die Paprika — different word.)

Table

Kann ich bitte den Pfeffer haben?
Can I have the pepper, please?
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How to pronounce Pfeffer

Say it

PFEFF-er

/ˈpfɛfɐ/

PFEFF-er. Soft pf. Short e. Soft final er.

"Pepper (spice)" in German: quick reference

GermanEnglish
der Pfefferpepper (spice)

Default.

schwarzer Pfefferblack pepper

Common type.

Pfeffer und Salzpepper and salt

Table pair.

pfeffrigpeppery

Taste.

How to use Pfeffer in real life

  1. 1Table

    Kann ich bitte den Pfeffer haben?

    Can I have the pepper, please?

    Den Pfeffer.

  2. 2Cooking

    Etwas Pfeffer macht die Soße wärmer.

    A bit of pepper makes the sauce warmer.

    Pfeffer.

  3. 3Taste note

    Der Pfeffer ist frisch gemahlen.

    The pepper is freshly ground.

    Der Pfeffer.

Mistakes English speakers make with Pfeffer

Incorrect: die Pfeffer

Correct: der Pfeffer

Pfeffer is masculine.

Incorrect: Pfeffer for bell pepper

Correct: Paprika (for the vegetable)

Spice is Pfeffer; the vegetable is Paprika.

Good to know

German tables keep Salz und Pfeffer side by side. Freshly ground Pfeffer is common in restaurants; sachets show up in casual spots.

Try it in a ChatPal conversation

Seasoning pasta at dinner

  1. ChatPal

    Schmeckt die Pasta?

    Does the pasta taste good?

  2. You

    Fast. Mir fehlt Pfeffer.

    Almost. I'm missing pepper.

  3. ChatPal

    Hier, der Pfeffer. Wenig streuen.

    Here, the pepper. Sprinkle a little.

  4. You

    Danke. Mit Pfeffer ist sie perfekt.

    Thanks. With pepper it's perfect.

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"Pepper (spice)" in other languages

FAQ

Common questions about "Pepper (spice)" in German

How do you say pepper (spice)?

Der Pfeffer.

Bell pepper?

Die Paprika — different word.

Black pepper?

Schwarzer Pfeffer.

Pass the pepper?

Reichst du mir den Pfeffer?

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