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
scharf
sharp
Having a thin edge that cuts well.
EXAMPLE
Pass auf, das Messer ist frisch geschliffen und sehr scharf.
Be careful, the knife has just been sharpened and is very sharp.
scharf
sharp / clear
Clear and distinctly recognizable, not blurry. Refers to images, vision, or even the mind.
EXAMPLE
Mit der neuen Kamera werden die Fotos gestochen scharf.
With the new camera, the photos come out razor-sharp.
scharf
harsh / sharp
Expressed in a strict, direct, and often hurtful way.
EXAMPLE
Der Trainer übte nach dem Spiel scharfe Kritik an der Mannschaft.
After the game, the coach sharply criticized the team.
scharf
sharp / sudden
Describing a sudden and strong change of direction.
EXAMPLE
Der Fahrer musste scharf bremsen, um einen Unfall zu vermeiden.
The driver had to brake sharply to avoid an accident.
scharf
hot / sexy
Colloquial for sexually very attractive or appealing.
EXAMPLE
Viele finden den neuen Schauspieler total scharf.
Many people think the new actor is totally hot.
scharf
sharp
Having a quick, precise, and analytical mind.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat einen scharfen Verstand und löst jedes Rätsel.
She has a sharp mind and solves every puzzle.
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 geil
awesome / horny
Here, geil describes someone as sexually aroused. Scharf, on the other hand, describes a person as sexually attractive and therefore refers more to the object of the attraction. Use geil for one’s own state and scharf for evaluating the other person.
scharf
Beim Tanzen findet Paul seine Partnerin scharf.
While dancing, Paul finds his partner sexy.
geil
Beim Tanzen merkt Paul, dass er geil wird.
While dancing, Paul realizes that he is getting horny.
In real life
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