01
die Sorte
variety / type
A specific kind or type of something, especially with plants, foods, or products.
example
Welche Sorte Äpfel eignet sich am besten zum Backen?
Which variety of apples is best suited for baking?
die Sorte
variety / type
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Meanings
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Usage tips
False friend
'Die Sorte' is a noun and means 'kind' or 'type'. It is not the same as the English expression 'sort of', which expresses uncertainty and means more like 'somehow' or 'in a way'.
EXAMPLE
Welche Sorte Wein empfehlen Sie zu diesem Gericht?
Which type of wine do you recommend with this dish?
Context clue
If 'Sorte' refers to things like foods or products, it has the neutral meaning 'kind/type'. If people are being discussed, especially with words like 'diese' (this/these) or 'solche' (such), the colloquial, negative meaning is often intended.
EXAMPLE
Ich mag diese Sorte Kekse sehr gerne.
I really like this type of cookie.
Typical collocations
In the context of products, 'Sorte' is often used in the question 'Welche Sorte...?' (Which type/variety...?). It is also frequently combined with the genitive or 'von' (of) to show belonging.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben verschiedene Sorten von Äpfeln im Angebot.
We offer different varieties of apples.
Colloquial use
Using 'Sorte' for people is colloquial and almost always has a derogatory or distancing meaning. It expresses that you do not value this kind of person.
EXAMPLE
Von dieser Sorte Mensch halte ich mich lieber fern.
I prefer to stay away from that type of person.
Compare with
Sorte vs Art
kind / way
'die Art' and 'die Sorte' can both mean a group or a type of something. However, 'die Art' is more general and fits with many different things, people, or living beings. 'die Sorte' is used especially often with foods, plants, or products, for example apples, cheese, or coffee. Learners may confuse the words because sometimes you can say both. As a practical rule: with products and food, 'Sorte' often sounds more natural; with general groups or types, 'Art' is usually better.
Sorte
Im Sommer kauft meine Kollegin immer dieselbe Sorte Erdbeeren.
In summer, my colleague always buys the same variety of strawberries.
Art
Diese Art von Fahrrad ist besonders praktisch in der Stadt.
This kind of bicycle is especially practical in the city.
In real life
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