der  Toast

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/toːst/

🍞 What does "der Toast" mean?

The German word der Toast (borrowed from English) primarily has two meanings, with the first being by far the most common:

1. The slice of toasted bread: This is the main meaning. It refers to a slice of bread (usually white bread, so-called Toastbrot) that has been browned in a toaster or pan. Example: "Zum Frühstück esse ich gerne einen Toast mit Marmelade." (For breakfast, I like to eat toast with jam.)

2. The toast (speech/cheers): Less commonly, "der Toast" can also mean a short speech or tribute given at a formal occasion, during which glasses are raised (similar to "to propose a toast"). Example: "Der Gastgeber brachte einen Toast auf das Brautpaar aus." (The host proposed a toast to the newlyweds.) This meaning is less common in German than in English; Germans more often use "der Trinkspruch" or simply "Prost!".

⚠️ Important: Although the loaf of bread itself is often called "das Toastbrot" (neuter), the single slice of toasted bread is "der Toast" (masculine).

Article rules for der, die, and das

📜 Grammar of "der Toast" in Detail

The noun "Toast" is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

The plural can be formed in two ways, with "Toasts" being more common:

Example Sentences

1. Der Toast ist leider verbrannt. (The toast is unfortunately burnt. - Nominative Singular)
2. Ich bestreiche den Toast mit Butter. (I spread butter on the toast. - Accusative Singular)
3. Mit einem warmen Toast beginnt der Tag gut. (The day starts well with a warm toast. - Dative Singular)
4. Der Geruch des frischen Toasts weckt mich auf. (The smell of the fresh toast wakes me up. - Genitive Singular)
5. Wir brauchen noch zwei Toasts für das Frühstück. (We still need two toasts for breakfast. - Accusative Plural)
6. Er brachte einen Toast auf den Erfolg des Projekts aus. (He proposed a toast to the success of the project. - Accusative Singular, meaning: cheers)

💡 When to use "der Toast"?

Context "Toasted Bread":

• Everyday language: "Der Toast" is mostly used in the context of meals like breakfast, dinner, or as a snack.
• Distinction from "Toastbrot": Das Toastbrot refers to the unsliced loaf or the package of bread slices intended for toasting. Der Toast is the single, already toasted slice. Example: "Ich kaufe das Toastbrot (neuter) und mache mir dann einen Toast (masculine)." (I buy the loaf of toast bread and then make myself a piece of toast.)
• Compounds: Often part of dishes like "Hawaii-Toast" (toast with ham, pineapple, and cheese), "Strammer Max" (often served on toast), "Käsetoast" (cheese toast).

Context "Cheers/Trinkspruch":

• More formal occasions: This meaning is rarer and more likely found at formal celebrations or in literary contexts.
• Alternative words: In German, "der Trinkspruch", "das Prosit" or simply "Prost!" are more common. However, the phrase "einen Toast ausbringen" (to propose a toast) is relatively established.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Toast"

For the article (der): Imagine: THE (like 'der') man (masculine) loves his morning toast. Associating it with a masculine subject helps remember der.

For the meaning (bread): "Toast" sounds the same in English and German. Just picture the typical English breakfast toast – it's the same thing, der Toast in German.

For the meaning (cheers): Think of making a "toast" (speech) with a glass. It's similar in German, einen Toast ausbringen, though less common than Trinkspruch.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar, but different words:

• Der Toaster: The appliance used to make toast (masculine).
• Das Toastbrot: The special type of bread used for toasting (neuter).

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Toast den Therapeuten besucht?
Er hatte zu viele Krümel im Leben!

(Why did the toast go to the therapist?
He had too many crumbs in his life!)

📜 Poem about Toast

Goldbraun und warm, ein Duft so fein,
der Toast am Morgen, das muss sein.
Mit Butter, Honig oder Wurst,
löscht er den ersten Hunger durst.
Knusprig im Biss, doch innen weich,
ein simpler Start ins Tagesreich.

(Golden brown and warm, a scent so fine,
the toast in the morning, it must shine.
With butter, honey, or sausage spread,
it quenches the first hunger ahead.
Crispy to bite, yet soft inside,
a simple start to the day's ride.)

🧩 Riddle Time

Ich war mal weich, doch Hitze macht mich hart und braun,
man isst mich gern, wenn Morgenglocken laun.
Ein Gerät mit Schlitzen ist mein bester Freund,
mein Artikel ist männlich, wie es scheint.

Was bin ich?

(I once was soft, but heat makes me hard and brown,
People like to eat me when morning bells sound.
A device with slots is my best friend,
My article is masculine, it seems in the end.)

What am I?

(Solution: der Toast)

📌 Other Interesting Facts

• Origin: The word "Toast" comes from the English word "toast", which in turn derives from the Old French "toster" (to roast).
• Popular Variations: In Germany, variations like "Hawaii-Toast" (toast topped with ham, pineapple, and melted cheese) are well-known and were particularly popular from the 1950s to the 1970s.
• Cultural Significance: While Toastbrot (the bread loaf) is often seen as simple or plain food, der Toast (the toasted slice) is a staple in many breakfast cultures worldwide.