01
der Geschmack
taste
The sensory perception in the mouth that arises through contact with food or drinks.
example
Die Suppe hat einen leicht salzigen Geschmack.
The soup has a slightly salty taste.
der Geschmack
taste
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Geschmack' (taste) is directly connected to the verb 'schmecken' (to taste). What you taste is a 'Geschmack' (taste). This helps you understand the basic meaning.
EXAMPLE
Mir schmeckt die Suppe nicht, sie hat einen komischen Geschmack.
I don't like the taste of the soup; it has a strange taste.
Context clue
If 'Geschmack' (taste) is used in connection with food, it refers to the sense of taste or the aroma. If it appears with art, fashion, or opinions, it refers to personal style. The expression 'eine Frage des Geschmacks' (a matter of taste) almost always refers to style or preferences.
EXAMPLE
Der süße Geschmack des Kuchens ist herrlich.
The sweet taste of the cake is wonderful.
Taste as style
When it comes to fashion, art, or interior design, 'Geschmack' (taste) means personal style. You can have 'guten' (good) or 'schlechten' (bad) taste, or something can be 'genau mein Geschmack' (exactly my taste).
EXAMPLE
Diese Art von Filmen ist nicht wirklich mein Geschmack.
This kind of film is not really my taste.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'auf den Geschmack kommen' means that you start liking something that you did not like before. The preposition 'auf' and the accusative are fixed here.
EXAMPLE
Zuerst fand ich Wandern langweilig, aber jetzt bin ich auf den Geschmack gekommen.
At first I found hiking boring, but now I've acquired a taste for it.
Compare with
Geschmack vs Stil
style
'der Stil' and 'der Geschmack' can both have to do with what seems beautiful, appropriate, or pleasant. 'Stil' describes more the recognizable way something is designed or put together, for example clothing, furniture, or a text. 'Geschmack' describes more a person's personal preference: What does someone find beautiful or suitable? Learners may confuse the words because people often talk about fashion or interior design. In practical terms: A dress can have a particular style, but whether you like it is a question of your taste.
Geschmack
Das rote Sofa ist nicht mein Geschmack, aber es passt gut ins Zimmer.
The red sofa is not my taste, but it fits well in the room.
Stil
Der Stil dieser Wohnung ist modern, aber nicht kalt.
The style of this apartment is modern, but not cold.
In real life
Loading video examples...