Pfeffer

noun
pepper
B1

Pfeffer is a masculine noun meaning pepper. Often used as a mass noun (no plural) or with the same form Pfeffer; plural is uncommon. Genitive singular des Pfeffers. Common culinary term for ground or whole pepper. Declension regular apart from mass usage; gender: der Pfeffer.

Examples

Die Köchin streute Pfeffer über die Suppe, obwohl der Gast weniger Schärfe wollte.
The cook sprinkled pepper over the soup although the guest wanted less spiciness.
Ich streue Pfeffer auf die Suppe.
I sprinkle pepper on the soup.
Eine Prise Pfeffer gibt dem Gericht die richtige Würze.
A pinch of pepper gives the dish the right seasoning.

Details

PluralPfeffer

Declension

CaseSingularPlural
nominativeder Pfefferdie Pfeffer
genitivedes Pfeffersder Pfeffer
dativedem Pfefferden Pfeffer
accusativeden Pfefferdie Pfeffer

Mnemonics

👁️Picture a pepper shaker labeled 'Pfeffer'.
👂Sounds like English 'pepper' (pfeffer).
⚧️Many German nouns ending in -er are masculine: der Pfeffer.

Notes

Often used as an uncountable spice (no plural in everyday use). If counted, context or measures are used (e.g., ein Pfefferkorn).

Category

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