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 describe a slightly sour taste in wine. “Sur” refers especially to a subtle acidic note, usually expressed in technical language or used rarely, while “sauer” is generally understood and often expresses a more noticeable, somewhat negative acidity. For a nuanced description of wine, “sur” can be suitable; otherwise, “sauer” is usually the better choice.
sur
Der leichte Weißwein schmeckt angenehm sur und frisch.
The light white wine tastes pleasantly tart and fresh.
sauer
Der Weißwein schmeckt deutlich sauer und nicht mehr angenehm.
The white wine tastes noticeably sour and is no longer pleasant.
In real life
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