01
scharf
spicy
Having an intense, burning taste, as with chili, pepper, or mustard.
example
Diese Soße ist mir viel zu scharf.
This sauce is much too spicy for me.
scharf
sharp / spicy
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
Since 'scharf' (sharp/spicy) has many meanings, the noun it describes is the most important clue. A 'scharfes Messer' (sharp knife) cuts well, a 'scharfe Soße' (spicy sauce) burns in your mouth, and a 'scharfes Bild' (sharp image) is clear to see.
EXAMPLE
Für dieses Rezept brauche ich ein scharfes Messer.
For this recipe, I need a sharp knife.
Fixed collocation
In connection with photos or optics, there is the fixed expression 'etwas scharf stellen' (to focus something). It means adjusting the focus so that the image is clear and not blurry.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du die Kamera bitte scharf stellen?
Can you please focus the camera?
Register: colloquial
In the meaning 'sexually attractive,' 'scharf' (hot/sexy) is colloquial. In formal situations or in written language, you should avoid this expression.
EXAMPLE
Er findet die neue Sängerin total scharf.
He thinks the new singer is totally hot.
Typical collocations: food
In the context of food and taste, 'scharf' (spicy) is often combined with 'Gewürze' (spices), 'Chili' (chili), 'Senf' (mustard), or 'Essen' (food) in general.
EXAMPLE
Ich mag scharfe Gewürze aus Indien.
I like spicy spices from India.
Typical collocations: edge
When it is about the ability to cut, 'scharf' (sharp) often describes a 'Klinge' (blade), a 'Schere' (scissors), or a 'Kante' (edge).
EXAMPLE
Die Klinge ist noch sehr scharf.
The blade is still very sharp.
Typical collocations: criticism
In a figurative, negative meaning, 'scharf' (harsh/sharp) is often used for communication. Typical phrases are 'scharfe Kritik' (harsh criticism), 'scharfe Worte' (harsh words), or 'ein scharfer Ton' (a sharp tone).
EXAMPLE
Die Opposition äußerte scharfe Kritik an der Regierung.
The opposition sharply criticized the government.
Typical collocations: movement
To describe a sudden, strong change in direction or speed, 'scharf' (sharply/suddenly) is combined with verbs of movement, e.g. 'scharf bremsen' (to brake sharply), 'scharf abbiegen' (to turn sharply), or in 'eine scharfe Kurve' (a sharp curve).
EXAMPLE
Das Auto vor uns hat plötzlich scharf gebremst.
The car in front of us suddenly braked sharply.
Typical collocations: mind
To describe high intelligence or keen powers of observation, 'scharf' (sharp) is combined with nouns like 'Verstand' (mind) or 'Beobachtungsgabe' (powers of observation).
EXAMPLE
Sie ist bekannt für ihren scharfen Verstand.
She is known for her sharp mind.
Compare with
scharf vs klar
clear
'klar' and 'scharf' can both mean that you can recognize or understand something well. 'klar' is more general: an explanation, a thought, or even water can be 'klar'. 'scharf' is used especially for images, outlines, vision, or also for a quick, precise mind. A photo is 'scharf' if it is not blurry. A statement is more likely to be 'klar' if it is easy to understand. Memory tip: 'klar' helps with understanding, while 'scharf' helps with seeing or recognizing something precisely.
scharf
Auf dem neuen Foto ist das Schild am Bahnhof endlich scharf zu sehen.
In the new photo, the sign at the train station is finally clearly visible.
klar
Nach dem Gespräch ist mir klar, warum der Zug später kommt.
After the conversation, it is clear to me why the train is coming later.
In real life
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