onion
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onion
A plant with a round, edible bulb made up of several layers, used as a vegetable and seasoning because of its sharp flavor.
Für das Gulasch musst du zuerst eine Zwiebel in kleine Würfel schneiden.
For the goulash, you first have to cut an onion into small cubes.
In the context of cooking and food, 'Zwiebel' (onion) is often used with certain verbs. Typical phrases are 'Zwiebeln schneiden' (to cut onions), 'Zwiebeln hacken' (to chop onions), 'Zwiebeln schälen' (to peel onions), and 'Zwiebeln anbraten' (to sauté onions).
Für die Soße müssen Sie zuerst eine Zwiebel fein hacken.
For the sauce, you first need to finely chop an onion.
The structure of the onion with its many layers is often used as a metaphor in German. People speak of the 'Zwiebelprinzip' (onion principle / layering principle) or 'Zwiebellook' (layered look) when something is made up of several layers, for example clothing.
Im Winter kleide ich mich immer nach dem Zwiebelprinzip.
In winter, I always dress according to the layering principle.
The meaning 'Taschenuhr' (pocket watch) is outdated and colloquial. It is hardly used actively today, but it can appear in old books or films to create a nostalgic atmosphere.
Er zog seine goldene Zwiebel aus der Westentasche.
He pulled his gold pocket watch out of his vest pocket.
garlic
'die Zwiebel' and 'der Knoblauch' are both plants that are often used for seasoning in cooking. They can therefore easily be confused, especially because garlic also forms a kind of bulb. In everyday language, however, 'Zwiebel' usually means the round vegetable with many layers that is often fried. 'Knoblauch' refers to the small white cloves with a very strong smell and taste. In practical terms: you often cut an onion into rings or cubes, while garlic is usually pressed or chopped in small amounts.
Für die Suppe schneidet Lisa eine Zwiebel in kleine Würfel.
For the soup, Lisa cuts an onion into small cubes.
Beim Kochen riecht der Knoblauch so stark, dass Tom das Fenster öffnet.
While cooking, the garlic smells so strong that Tom opens the window.