01
sur
tart
A rare term borrowed from French for a slightly sour taste, especially in wine.
example
Der junge Wein hatte eine erfrischende, leicht sure Note.
The young wine had a refreshing, slightly tart note.
sur
tart
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Meanings
Usage tips
Register and style
“Sur” (tart) is a rare loanword from French. It is used mainly in elevated language or specialist language to describe a fine, slightly sour flavor note.
EXAMPLE
Der Sommelier beschrieb den Riesling als elegant mit einer suren Mineralität.
The sommelier described the Riesling as elegant, with a tart minerality.
Typical context
This adjective is found almost exclusively in descriptions of wine, sparkling wine, or sometimes in gourmet cuisine. It is hardly used in everyday language.
EXAMPLE
Das Dressing hatte eine angenehm sure Note von der Zitrone.
The dressing had a pleasantly tart note from the lemon.
Use as an adjective
Although it is rare, “sur” (tart) is declined like a normal German adjective before a noun. It then takes the usual adjective endings.
EXAMPLE
Ein leicht surer Apfel passt gut zu diesem Käse.
A slightly tart apple goes well with this cheese.
Compare with
sur vs sauer
sour / angry
'sauer' and 'sur' can both describe a slightly sour taste. 'sauer' is the normal everyday word and fits lemons, vinegar, sour milk, or sour candy. 'sur' is rare and is used mainly for wine or in special language. Learners may confuse the words because of their similar meaning, but in normal conversations 'sauer' is almost always correct. 'sur' sounds more specialized and not natural everywhere.
sur
Der Wein schmeckt leicht sur und passt gut zu dem Käse.
The wine tastes slightly tart and goes well with the cheese.
sauer
Die Limonade ist mir zu sauer, deshalb gebe ich etwas Zucker dazu.
The lemonade is too sour for me, so I add a little sugar.
In real life
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