das
Schweinefleisch
🍖 What exactly is Schweinefleisch?
Das Schweinefleisch refers to the meat from domestic pigs intended for human consumption. In English, this is called 'pork'. It's one of the most commonly consumed types of meat in Germany and many other parts of the world.
It is a noun of neuter gender (sächlich).
🚨 Attention: There is only this one article, das, for this word.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Materials, metals → mostly neutral.
Raw materials other than stones/minerals ('der Stein').
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Das Schweinefleisch
Das Schweinefleisch is a neuter noun (sächlich). It is generally used only in the singular because it's considered an uncountable mass noun (similar to Milch 'milk' or Sand 'sand').
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | das | Schweinefleisch |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des | Schweinefleisch(e)s |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem | Schweinefleisch(e) |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | das | Schweinefleisch |
⚠️ A plural form ("die Schweinefleische") is grammatically possible but practically never used. Instead, one might speak of "Sorten von Schweinefleisch" (types of pork) or use a description.
Example Sentences
- Das Schweinefleisch ist heute im Angebot. (The pork is on sale today.)
- Der Geschmack des Schweinefleisches hängt von der Fütterung ab. (The taste of the pork depends on the feed.)
- Zu dem Schweinefleisch passt Rotkohl sehr gut. (Red cabbage goes very well with the pork.)
- Ich kaufe das Schweinefleisch lieber beim Metzger. (I prefer to buy the pork at the butcher's.)
🍽️ Everyday Usage
Das Schweinefleisch is a central term in cooking and shopping contexts.
- In cooking & eating: People talk about preparing Schweinefleisch (braten 'frying/roasting', kochen 'boiling', grillen 'grilling'), about dishes like Schweinebraten (roast pork), Schnitzel (often made from pork), Gulasch etc.
- When shopping: You ask for Schweinefleisch at the butcher's counter (Metzgertheke) or look for it in the supermarket. There are many cuts with specific names (e.g., Kotelett 'chop', Filet 'fillet', Bauch 'belly').
- Culturally: Pork plays a major role in German cuisine (deutsche Küche), but it is taboo for some people due to religious reasons (Judaism, Islam).
Comparison: It is clearly distinct from Rindfleisch (beef), Geflügel (poultry), or Lammfleisch (lamb).
💡 How to Remember 'das Schweinefleisch'
Article Mnemonic: Think of diminutive words in German often being neuter (das), like 'das Ferkelchen' (little piglet). Or imagine: DAS big, juicy piece of meat is lying on DAS little board (Brettchen is also neuter). The 'S' sound in Schweinefleisch might weakly link to das.
Meaning Mnemonic: The word is a compound: Schwein (pig) + Fleisch (meat) = meat from a pig. Quite logical!
🔄 Similar and Opposing Terms
Synonyms
- Schweinernes (somewhat dated, but understandable; means 'stuff from a pig')
- Schweinebraten (roast pork; a specific dish, but sometimes used synonymously for the meat in context)
Antonyms/Contrasting Terms
- No direct antonym.
- Other types of meat: Rindfleisch (beef), Geflügelfleisch (poultry meat), Lammfleisch (lamb), Fisch (fish)
- Plant-based alternatives: Tofu, Seitan, Gemüse (vegetables)
Related Terms (Careful, different meaning!)
😂 A Little Joke
Der Metzgerlehrling fragt seinen Meister: "Ist dieses Schweinefleisch wirklich von einem Schwein, das gestern noch gelebt hat?"
Meister: "Kann ich nicht genau sagen, ich war gestern nicht im Stall."
Translation:
The butcher's apprentice asks his master: "Is this pork really from a pig that was alive yesterday?"
Master: "Can't say for sure, I wasn't in the sty yesterday."
📜 Poem about Pork
Das Schweinefleisch, mal zart, mal fest,
ob als Braten oder beim Grillfest.
Vom Kotelett bis zum Filet,
\in Deutschland sagt man nicht schnell "nee".
Mit Klößen, Kraut, auf deutsche Art,
ist es beliebt und wohlbewahrt.
Translation:
The pork, sometimes tender, sometimes firm,
whether as a roast or at a barbecue.
From the chop to the fillet,
in Germany, one doesn't quickly say "nay".
With dumplings, cabbage, in the German way,
it is popular and well-kept.
❓ Little Riddle
Ich komme vom Grunzer aus dem Stall,
bin auf dem Teller fast überall.
Als Schnitzel, Braten oder Wurst,
still ich den großen Hunger und den Durst (nach Herzhaftem).
Mein Artikel ist sächlich, merk es dir fein,
was kann ich wohl sein?
Translation:
I come from the grunter in the sty,
I'm on the plate almost everywhere.
As schnitzel, roast, or sausage,
I satisfy great hunger and thirst (for something hearty).
My article is neuter, remember it well,
what might I be?
Solution: das Schweinefleisch (pork)
🐖 Trivia
Word Composition: The word Schweinefleisch is a compound noun (Kompositum), made up of:
- Das Schwein (genitive often Schweines or with linking -e Schweine-) - the pig
- Das Fleisch - the meat
Cultural Significance: Pork (Schweinefleisch) is deeply rooted in German food culture (deutsche Esskultur). Many traditional dishes are based on it. At the same time, consumption is decreasing, partly for health, ethical, or environmental reasons.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Schweinefleisch?
The word Schweinefleisch is neuter, so the correct article is das. It refers to meat from domestic pigs (pork) and is typically used as an uncountable noun in the singular.