herzhaft
savory / hearty
Refers to foods that taste strong, spicy, and not sweet. Often used for substantial, hearty meals.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Wanderung gab es eine herzhafte Gulaschsuppe.
After the hike, there was a hearty goulash soup.
herzhaft
hearty / savory
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
herzhaft
heartily
Describes an action that is carried out forcefully, full of energy, and without hesitation.
EXAMPLE
Als er den Witz hörte, musste er herzhaft lachen.
When he heard the joke, he had to laugh heartily.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'Herz' (heart) and the suffix '-haft' (-like, having the quality of). So it literally means something like 'heart-like' or 'full of heart' and describes something strong, substantial, or full of feeling.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Gartenarbeit schmeckt ein herzhaftes Abendessen besonders gut.
After gardening, a hearty dinner tastes especially good.
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'herzhaft' (hearty/savory) from the context. In connection with food and drink, it means 'deftig' (hearty/substantial) or 'würzig' (spicy/savory). In connection with actions like laughing or yawning, it describes them as strong and uninhibited.
EXAMPLE
Zum Frühstück isst er am liebsten etwas Herzhaftes, wie Wurst und Käse.
For breakfast, he prefers something savory, like sausage and cheese.
Typical collocations
When it comes to food, 'herzhaft' (hearty/savory) is often used for certain meals. Typical combinations are: 'ein herzhaftes Frühstück' (a hearty breakfast), 'ein herzhafter Eintopf' (a hearty stew), or 'eine herzhafte Brotzeit' (a hearty snack/light meal).
EXAMPLE
In der Berghütte wurde uns ein herzhafter Eintopf serviert.
In the mountain hut, we were served a hearty stew.
Use as an adverb
In this meaning, 'herzhaft' (heartily) is usually used as an adverb to describe a verb more closely. It then stands directly with the verb and expresses the intensity of the action.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder spielten und tobten herzhaft im Garten.
The children played and romped heartily in the garden.
Compare with
herzhaft vs herzlich
warm / heartfelt
Herzlich and herzhaft can both describe genuine, uninhibited laughter. Herzlich highlights warm and friendly joy, while herzhaft emphasizes strength and exuberance. Herzlich suits a warm moment shared with others, whereas herzhaft is more appropriate for loud, hearty laughter.
herzhaft
Nach der überraschenden Pointe lachte sie herzhaft und laut.
After the surprising punchline, she laughed heartily and loudly.
herzlich
Beim Wiedersehen lachte sie herzlich über seine vertraute Geschichte.
When they saw each other again, she laughed warmly at his familiar story.
In real life
Loading video examples...