der
Spargel
🌱 What exactly is Spargel?
Der Spargel (Asparagus officinalis) is a perennial plant whose young shoots are eaten as a vegetable. In Germany, it is particularly popular as weißer Spargel (white asparagus) and is in high season in spring (approx. April to June) – the famous Spargelzeit (asparagus season). There are also green and purple varieties.
It is often referred to as the "königliches Gemüse" (royal vegetable) or "weißes Gold" (white gold), reflecting its popularity and seasonally high price.
🚨 There is only the masculine article: der Spargel.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-el → mostly masculine.
1. Caution: many exceptions. 2. there are many -el words, we don't list them all.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Spargel
The noun "Spargel" is masculine. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der Spargel | ein Spargel | Spargel |
| Genitive | des Spargels | eines Spargels | Spargels |
| Dative | dem Spargel | einem Spargel | Spargel |
| Accusative | den Spargel | einen Spargel | Spargel |
| Case | Definite Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Spargel | Spargel |
| Genitive | der Spargel | Spargel |
| Dative | den Spargeln | Spargeln |
| Accusative | die Spargel | Spargel |
Note: The plural is often unchanged "die Spargel", especially when referring to a quantity or portion. "Die Spargeln" (with -n in the dative plural) is used less frequently, usually when referring to individual spears or plants.
Example Sentences
- Im Frühling essen wir gerne Spargel. (In spring, we like to eat asparagus.)
- Der Spargel aus Beelitz ist besonders bekannt. (The asparagus from Beelitz is particularly famous.)
- Ich kaufe ein Kilo Spargel auf dem Markt. (I buy a kilo of asparagus at the market.)
- Die Soße passt gut zu dem Spargel. (The sauce goes well with the asparagus.)
- Die Ernte des Spargels ist mühsam. (Harvesting the asparagus is laborious.)
🍽️ Usage: When to use Spargel?
- Culinary context: Most commonly, "Spargel" is used when talking about food and cooking. People talk about Spargel kochen (cooking asparagus), Spargel schälen (peeling asparagus), Spargelsuppe (asparagus soup), Spargel mit Sauce Hollandaise (asparagus with hollandaise sauce), etc.
- Seasonal context: The term "Spargelzeit" is well-established for the harvest season in spring. Many restaurants offer special asparagus menus (Spargelmenüs).
- Varieties: A distinction is often made between weißer Spargel (white asparagus, grows underground) and grüner Spargel (green asparagus, grows above ground).
- Cultivation: In an agricultural context, one speaks of Spargelanbau (asparagus cultivation) or Spargelfeld (asparagus field).
Confusion is rare as the word is very specific.
🧠 Mnemonics for "der Spargel"
- Article Mnemonic: Imagine a strong man (der Mann) who pulls (der zieht) the long Spargel spears out of the ground with effort. You need strength ('der') for asparagus.
- Meaning Mnemonic: Asparagus spears are long and thin, like a spear ('Speer' in German sounds a bit like 'Spargel'). And who traditionally wields a spear? A male warrior (-> der).
They say der König (the king - masculine) enjoys eating the royal vegetable – der Spargel.
🔄 Synonyms and Related Terms
Synonyms & Similar Terms
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms, as it refers to a specific vegetable. One could consider 'anderes Gemüse' (other vegetables) as a general contrast.
Similar, but Different Things
- Schwarzwurzel: (Salsify) Sometimes called 'Winterspargel' (winter asparagus), but it's a different plant.
- Bärlauch: (Wild garlic / Ramson) Another typical spring vegetable/herb, but completely different in appearance and taste.
😂 An Asparagus Joke
German: Warum hat der Spargel keine Freunde?
Weil er immer so lang und stakelig ist und nur im Frühling rauskommt!
English: Why doesn't asparagus have any friends?
Because it's always so long and stalky and only comes out in spring!
📜 Poem about Spargel
German:
Im Frühling, wenn die Sonne lacht,
wird stolz der Spargel beigebracht.
Der lange Stengel, weiß und fein,
lädt uns zum Schlemmerfeste ein.
Mit Schinken, Soße, zart und mild,
ein jedes Feinschmeckerherz er stillt.
Die Spargelzeit, wie wunderbar,
begrüßt das neue, frische Jahr.
English Translation:
In spring, when the sun does laugh,
Proud asparagus is brought forth.
The long stalk, white and fine,
Invites us to a feast divine.
With ham and sauce, so tender, mild,
It soothes the heart of every gourmet child.
Asparagus time, how wonderful,
Greets the fresh new year, so full.
❓ Asparagus Riddle
German:
Ich bin lang und meistens weiß,
im Frühling hab ich meinen Preis.
Man schält mich nackt, kocht mich geschwind,
als König ich bekannt wohl bin.
Was bin ich?
English Translation:
I am long and mostly white,
In spring, I have my price just right.
They peel me bare, cook me with speed,
As 'king' I am well known indeed.
What am I?
Answer: Der Spargel (Asparagus)
💡 Other Interesting Facts
- Word Origin: The German word "Spargel" comes from the Latin asparagus, which in turn goes back to the Greek aspharagos.
- White vs. Green: Weißer Spargel grows underground in mounds (Dämmen) and is harvested (gestochen) as soon as its tip breaks the surface. This keeps it white (bleached). Grüner Spargel grows above ground and produces chlorophyll due to sunlight, making it green. Green asparagus usually doesn't need peeling, or only the bottom third.
- Health Benefits: Asparagus is low in calories and rich in vitamins (K, C, E, B) and minerals. It has a diuretic effect.
- Asparagus Roads (Spargelstraßen): In Germany, there are several designated tourist routes called "Spargelstraßen", such as the Baden Asparagus Route and the Lower Saxony Asparagus Route, which lead through major growing regions.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Spargel?
The word "Spargel", referring to the popular spring vegetable asparagus, is always masculine in German. The correct form is: der Spargel. The plural form is usually also "die Spargel".