01
frisch
fresh
Refers to food that was recently harvested, produced, or prepared and is not old or spoiled.
example
Ich liebe den Geruch von frisch gebackenem Brot.
I love the smell of freshly baked bread.
frisch
fresh
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 05
Usage tips
Adverbial use
'Frisch' is very often used as an adverb meaning 'just now' or 'newly', usually in combination with a past participle. Typical examples are 'frisch gestrichen' (freshly painted), 'frisch verliebt' (newly in love), or 'frisch gemäht' (freshly mowed).
EXAMPLE
Das frisch verliebte Paar ging Hand in Hand spazieren.
The newly in-love couple went for a walk hand in hand.
Typical collocations
In connection with food, 'frisch' is often used with: 'frisches Obst' (fresh fruit), 'frisches Gemüse' (fresh vegetables), 'frischer Fisch' (fresh fish), or 'frisch gepresster Saft' (freshly squeezed juice).
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Markt kaufe ich immer frisches Gemüse.
At the market, I always buy fresh vegetables.
Clean and new
In the meaning 'clean' or 'unused', typical combinations are 'frische Wäsche' (clean laundry), 'frische Bettwäsche' (fresh bed linen), or 'ein frisches Handtuch' (a fresh towel).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe die Betten gerade frisch bezogen.
I just put fresh sheets on the beds.
Air and weather
When talking about air or weather, the most common combinations are 'frische Luft' (fresh air) and 'ein frischer Wind' (a fresh breeze).
EXAMPLE
Lass uns nach draußen gehen und etwas frische Luft schnappen.
Let's go outside and get some fresh air.
Rested and alert
To express that you feel full of energy, 'frisch' is often used predicatively, for example in the phrase 'frisch und munter sein' (to be fresh and lively) or 'sich frisch fühlen' (to feel fresh).
EXAMPLE
Nach einer kurzen Pause fühlte er sich wieder frisch.
After a short break, he felt fresh again.
Colloquial meaning
The meaning 'cheeky' or 'disrespectful' is colloquial. It is mostly used to describe a surprisingly direct or impolite reaction.
EXAMPLE
Sei nicht so frisch zu deiner Großmutter!
Don't be so cheeky to your grandmother!
Compare with
frisch vs neu
new
'neu' and 'frisch' can both mean that something is not yet old or used. 'neu' is used generally for things that have just been bought, made, or have only existed for a short time. 'frisch' fits especially well with food, cleanliness, or something that has just been prepared. For example, people say 'frisches Brot' (fresh bread) or 'frische Handtücher' (fresh towels). For a car, a phone, or a plan, 'neu' usually sounds more natural. Learners often confuse the words because both are opposites of 'alt' (old), but 'frisch' often carries the idea of good quality, cleanliness, or a short time since preparation.
frisch
Zum Frühstück kauft Ali frische Brötchen beim Bäcker.
For breakfast, Ali buys fresh rolls at the bakery.
neu
Nach dem Gespräch gibt es einen neuen Termin in der Werkstatt.
After the conversation, there is a new appointment at the repair shop.
In real life
Loading video examples...