noun
mushroom
B1
Pilz (der) means mushroom, edible fungus, or a wild toadstool; common translation: “mushroom”. It’s a masculine noun with plural Pilze. Note the genitive singular des Pilzes (‑es ending). No special preposition or reflexive use; typical declension: der Pilz, die Pilze.
Examples
Im Wald haben wir viele Pilze gesammelt.
We collected many mushrooms in the forest.
Im Wald haben wir viele Pilze gefunden.
We found a lot of mushrooms in the forest.
Die Wanderer bemerkten, dass der Pilz giftig war, obwohl er wie ein essbarer aussah.
The hikers noticed that the mushroom was poisonous, although it looked like an edible one.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine a classic red-capped mushroom (toadstool) popping out of the grass with a 'P' stamped on it.
Sounds like 'pils' in 'pilsner' but with a 'tz' — think small round cap.
der Pilz — masculine: picture a sturdy stem like a 'der' (strong) pillar.
Notes
Refers to both edible mushrooms and fungi in general. Be careful: some wild Pilze are poisonous.