A variant of 'kross' used especially in southern Germany and Austria. It describes foods that are baked or fried until crispy, crusty, or crunchy.
example
Ich mag mein Schnitzel am liebsten richtig cross paniert.
I like my schnitzel best with a really crispy breading.
Usage tips
False friend
The German adjective 'cross' means 'knusprig' (crispy) and is used for food. It should not be confused with the English word 'cross', which means 'verärgert' (annoyed) or 'wütend' (angry).
EXAMPLE
Die Pommes frites sind perfekt, außen goldbraun und cross.
The French fries are perfect, golden brown on the outside and crispy.
Regional use
The word 'cross' is used mainly in southern Germany and Austria to describe crispy foods.
EXAMPLE
Bestell mir bitte ein Hähnchen, das schön cross gebraten ist.
Please order me a chicken that is nicely roasted and crispy.
Typical collocations
'Cross' is typically used in connection with fried or baked foods, for example 'crosser Speck' (crispy bacon), 'crosses Hähnchen' (crispy chicken), or 'crosse Brötchen' (crispy rolls).
EXAMPLE
Zum Frühstück esse ich am liebsten ein Ei mit crossem Speck.
For breakfast, I like to eat an egg with crispy bacon best.
Use with verbs
'Cross' is often used like an adverb to describe the result of a cooking process. Typical verbs are 'braten' (to fry/roast) or 'backen' (to bake).
EXAMPLE
Die Entenbrust muss man auf der Hautseite langsam cross braten.
You have to fry the duck breast slowly on the skin side until crispy.
Compare with
antonym
cross vs weich
soft
'weich' and 'cross' are clear opposites when talking about food. 'weich' describes food that is not hard and gives way easily, for example cooked vegetables or a soft roll. 'cross' is a southern German and Austrian variant of 'kross' and describes food that has been baked or fried until crispy. This contrast is especially important with bread, rolls, bacon, or fried foods. 'weich' is used generally, while 'cross' is heard more regionally.
cross
Zum Frühstück mag Maria die Brötchen außen schön cross.
For breakfast, Maria likes her rolls nice and crispy on the outside.
weich
Nach ein paar Tagen ist das Brot weich und nicht mehr frisch.
After a few days, the bread is soft and no longer fresh.