A food made from white cabbage or pointed cabbage preserved through lactic acid fermentation. It is a typical German side dish that is often served with meat dishes.
example
Zu Bratwurst und Kartoffelpüree gibt es oft Sauerkraut.
Sauerkraut is often served with bratwurst and mashed potatoes.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is a simple compound of the adjective 'sauer' (sour) and the noun 'das Kraut' (cabbage/herb, here in the sense of cabbage). So it literally means 'sour cabbage'.
EXAMPLE
Früher war Sauerkraut eine wichtige Vitamin-C-Quelle im Winter.
In the past, sauerkraut was an important source of vitamin C in winter.
Cultural context
Sauerkraut is considered internationally to be a typically German dish. It is often used as a cliché for German cuisine, similar to beer and bratwurst.
EXAMPLE
Im Ausland wird die deutsche Küche oft mit Sauerkraut in Verbindung gebracht.
Abroad, German cuisine is often associated with sauerkraut.
Uncountable noun
'Sauerkraut' (sauerkraut) is usually used as an uncountable noun. Therefore, you order or ask for 'etwas Sauerkraut' (some sauerkraut) or 'eine Portion Sauerkraut' (a portion of sauerkraut).
EXAMPLE
Möchtest du noch etwas Sauerkraut zum Braten?
Would you like some more sauerkraut with the roast?