01
die Kruste
crust
The hard, often crispy outer layer of bread or other baked goods that forms during baking.
example
Die Kruste dieses frischen Brotes ist besonders lecker.
The crust of this fresh bread is especially delicious.
die Kruste
crust
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Context clue
The word 'Kruste' (crust/scab) has very different meanings. The context makes clear what is meant: at the bakery it is about bread, at the doctor's about a wound, and in geology about the Earth.
EXAMPLE
Die Kruste vom Brot ist besonders knusprig.
The crust of the bread is especially crispy.
Typical adjectives
When it is about bread or baked goods, the crust is often described with adjectives such as 'knusprig' (crispy), 'kross' (crusty/crispy), 'dunkel' (dark), or 'hart' (hard).
EXAMPLE
Ich mag Brot am liebsten, wenn es eine dicke, knusprige Kruste hat.
I like bread best when it has a thick, crispy crust.
Typical verbs
In a medical context, a scab forms on a wound. A typical warning is not to scratch or pick at the scab, as this interferes with healing.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt sagte, ich solle die Kruste auf dem Knie in Ruhe lassen.
The doctor said I should leave the scab on my knee alone.
Fixed expression
In geography and geology, 'die Erdkruste' (the Earth's crust) is a fixed term for the outermost solid layer of our planet.
EXAMPLE
Die Erdkruste ist unter den Ozeanen dünner als unter den Kontinenten.
The Earth's crust is thinner under the oceans than under the continents.
Typical collocations
With baked dishes such as casseroles, people often speak of a 'Käsekruste' (cheese crust) or a 'goldbraune Kruste' (golden-brown crust). For many people, it is the tastiest part of the meal.
EXAMPLE
Für eine perfekte Kruste streue ich am Ende geriebenen Parmesan über die Lasagne.
For a perfect crust, I sprinkle grated Parmesan over the lasagna at the end.
Compare with
Kruste vs Haut
skin
'die Haut' and 'die Kruste' can both mean an outer layer of something. 'Haut' is usually a natural, rather soft or thin layer, for example on the body or on some fruits. 'Kruste', on the other hand, is hard, dry, or crispy. It forms, for example, during baking, on a wound, or on a surface. The words can be confusing because both are on the outside. The simple difference is: 'Haut' sounds more alive, soft, or thin; 'Kruste' sounds hard, firm, or crispy.
Kruste
Hannes mag am Brot besonders die dunkle, knusprige Kruste.
Hannes especially likes the dark, crispy crust of the bread.
Haut
Bei manchen Äpfeln esse ich die Haut mit, weil sie viele Vitamine enthält.
With some apples, I eat the skin too because it contains many vitamins.
In real life
Loading video examples...