01
das Würstchen
sausage
A small, usually elongated sausage that is often fried or boiled. It is the diminutive form of Wurst (sausage).
example
Zum Grillen gibt es Steaks und Würstchen.
For the barbecue, there will be steaks and sausages.
das Würstchen
sausage
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word formation: diminutive
'Würstchen' is the diminutive form of 'die Wurst' (sausage). The ending '-chen' makes the noun neuter (das) and often adds an umlaut to the vowel (u → ü).
EXAMPLE
Für die Kinder gibt es heute Nudeln mit kleinen Würstchen.
For the children today, there will be noodles with small sausages.
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning from context. If people are talking about food, barbecuing, or cooking, it means the small sausage. If it is about a person's character or behavior, it means the derogatory term.
EXAMPLE
Ich lege noch ein paar Würstchen auf den Grill.
I'll put a few more sausages on the grill.
Typical collocations
In connection with food, 'Würstchen' is often used with verbs like 'grillen' (to grill), 'braten' (to fry), 'kochen' (to boil), or 'essen' (to eat).
EXAMPLE
Sollen wir die Würstchen in der Pfanne braten oder auf den Grill legen?
Should we fry the sausages in the pan or put them on the grill?
Register: colloquial
Calling a person a 'Würstchen' (wimp) is colloquial and derogatory. It is used to criticize someone as weak or cowardly.
EXAMPLE
Sei kein Würstchen und sag ihm deine Meinung!
Don't be a wimp and tell him your opinion!
Compare with
Würstchen vs Wurst
sausage
'Wurst' and 'Würstchen' both refer to foods made from meat and spices. 'Wurst' is the general term and can mean many kinds, for example sliced sausage or a whole sausage. 'Würstchen' is the diminutive form and usually means a small, elongated sausage that you boil, fry, or grill. Learners may confuse the words because a 'Würstchen' is also a 'Wurst'. If you are talking generally about this type of food, 'Wurst' fits. If you mean small individual sausages, 'Würstchen' sounds more precise.
Würstchen
Auf dem Grill liegen schon die ersten Würstchen für die Gäste.
The first sausages for the guests are already on the grill.
Wurst
Zum Abendbrot stellt Lisa Käse, Brot und Wurst auf den Tisch.
For supper, Lisa puts cheese, bread, and sausage on the table.
In real life
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