A spice with a characteristic aroma, obtained from the capsule fruit of a type of orchid and used to flavor foods and drinks.
example
Für den Kuchen brauche ich noch einen Teelöffel echte Vanille.
For the cake, I still need a teaspoon of real vanilla.
Usage tips
Productive word formation
'Vanille' (vanilla) is a very productive component of compound nouns in the food sector. Examples are 'Vanilleeis' (vanilla ice cream), 'Vanillezucker' (vanilla sugar), 'Vanillepudding' (vanilla pudding), or 'Vanillesoße' (vanilla sauce).
EXAMPLE
Zum Apfelstrudel gibt es warme Vanillesoße.
Warm vanilla sauce is served with the apple strudel.
Uncountable noun
When 'Vanille' (vanilla) describes the spice or the flavor, it is an uncountable noun. You cannot say 'eine Vanille' (a vanilla) if you mean the flavor.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Joghurt hat einen intensiven Geschmack nach Vanille.
This yogurt has an intense vanilla flavor.
Context clue
When the plant or its fruit is meant, words from the area of agriculture or trade often appear in the sentence, such as 'Anbau' (cultivation), 'Ernte' (harvest), 'Export' (export), or 'Vanilleschote' (vanilla pod).
EXAMPLE
Der Anbau von Vanille ist sehr arbeitsintensiv.
The cultivation of vanilla is very labor-intensive.