aftertaste / undertone
Loading your saved state.
undertone
A negative, often subtle quality or feeling associated with something that is otherwise positive or neutral. This meaning is used figuratively.
Sein Lob hatte einen bitteren Beigeschmack, weil ich wusste, dass er mich eigentlich nicht mag.
His praise had a bitter undertone because I knew that he actually doesn't like me.
The word is made up of 'bei' (with/by) and 'Geschmack' (taste). So it literally describes a taste that is 'there with it,' meaning it exists in addition to the main taste or main quality.
Der Sieg hatte für ihn einen seltsamen Beigeschmack.
For him, the victory had a strange undertone.
You can recognize the figurative meaning by the fact that it is not about eating or drinking, but about situations, events, or statements. In this case, 'Beigeschmack' (undertone) is always a negative feeling or a doubt.
Die ganze Angelegenheit hat einen faden Beigeschmack.
The whole matter has an unpleasant undertone.
In the figurative sense, the phrase 'einen bitteren Beigeschmack haben' (to have a bitter undertone) is often used. Other typical adjectives are 'fahl' (pale/stale), 'seltsam' (strange), or 'komisch' (odd).
Sein plötzliches Angebot hatte einen bitteren Beigeschmack.
His sudden offer had a bitter undertone.
When referring to the actual taste, 'Beigeschmack' (aftertaste) is often combined with adjectives that describe the additional flavor. Typical ones are 'metallischer' (metallic), 'muffiger' (musty), or 'erdiger' (earthy) Beigeschmack.
Der Wein hatte einen leicht korkigen Beigeschmack.
The wine had a slight corky aftertaste.
taste
'Geschmack' and 'Beigeschmack' can both occur with food and drinks. 'Geschmack' means the main flavor or the overall impression. 'Beigeschmack' means an additional, weaker taste that is often not entirely pleasant. In addition, 'Beigeschmack' is often used figuratively: then it means a negative feeling about something, even though it actually seems neutral or positive. Learners may confuse the words because 'Beigeschmack' sounds like a special kind of 'Geschmack'. The important point is: 'Geschmack' is neutral and general, while 'Beigeschmack' is additional and often somewhat negative.
Nach dem langen Stehen in der Sonne hat der Saft einen bitteren Beigeschmack.
After standing in the sun for a long time, the juice has a bitter aftertaste.
Der Geschmack des Käses ist mild und passt gut zum Brot.
The flavor of the cheese is mild and goes well with the bread.