01
sauer
sour
Having a sharp, tangy taste, like that of lemons or vinegar.
example
Die unreifen Äpfel schmecken sehr sauer.
The unripe apples taste very sour.
sauer
sour / angry
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'sauer' (sour/acidic) is closely related to the noun 'die Säure' (acid). Many things that taste sour contain an acid, such as citric acid in lemons.
EXAMPLE
Diese Limonade enthält viel Zucker und Säure.
This lemonade contains a lot of sugar and acid.
Context clues
If 'sauer' refers to a person, it usually means 'verärgert' (annoyed/angry). If it refers to food, it generally describes the taste or the spoiled state.
EXAMPLE
Warum bist du sauer auf mich?
Why are you angry with me?
Correct preposition
When 'sauer' is used in the sense of 'verärgert' (angry/annoyed), it takes the preposition 'auf' and the accusative. You are always 'sauer auf' (angry at) a person or thing.
EXAMPLE
Er ist immer noch sauer auf seinen Kollegen.
He is still angry at his colleague.
Informal language
The use of 'sauer' for 'verärgert' (angry/annoyed) or 'schlecht gelaunt' (in a bad mood) is very common in spoken language and informal contexts.
EXAMPLE
Mach dir keine Sorgen, er ist nicht lange sauer.
Don't worry; he won't stay angry for long.
Spoiled food
In connection with foods like milk or cream, 'sauer werden' (to turn sour) means that they go bad or become inedible. This is a biological process.
EXAMPLE
Lass die Sahne nicht draußen stehen, sonst wird sie sauer.
Don't leave the cream out, otherwise it will turn sour.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'sauer verdient' (hard-earned) describes something that you have acquired through hard and laborious work. It usually refers to money.
EXAMPLE
Er will sein sauer verdientes Geld nicht für Unsinn ausgeben.
He doesn't want to spend his hard-earned money on nonsense.
Compare with
sauer vs schlecht
bad
'schlecht' and 'sauer' can both mean, with food, that you should no longer eat or drink it. 'schlecht' is more general: meat, fruit, milk, or other foods can go bad. 'sauer' is used especially for dairy products or foods that have spoiled through fermentation. Important: 'sauer' can also simply describe a taste like lemon; then it is not automatically bad. The words can be confused because sour milk is often also bad milk. As a practical rule: 'schlecht' is the general warning, while 'sauer' describes a specific condition or taste.
sauer
Die Milch ist sauer geworden, deshalb schütte ich sie weg.
The milk has gone sour, so I'm pouring it away.
schlecht
Die Suppe riecht komisch; sie ist wahrscheinlich schlecht.
The soup smells strange; it is probably bad.
In real life
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