der
Verzehr
🍽️ What does "der Verzehr" mean?
Der Verzehr translates to consumption, specifically the act of eating and drinking food or beverages. It describes the process of consuming something.
It's mainly used in the context of food and drinks, but can occasionally refer to the consumption of other resources, although this is less common.
⚠️ Important: The word is almost exclusively used in the singular. A plural form (die Verzehre) theoretically exists but is extremely rare and uncommon in practice.
🧐 Grammar of "Verzehr" in Detail
The noun "Verzehr" is masculine (maskulin). Here is its declension in the singular:
| Case (Kasus) | Masculine |
|---|---|
| Nominative (Nominativ) | der Verzehr |
| Genitive (Genitiv) | des Verzehrs |
| Dative (Dativ) | dem Verzehr |
| Accusative (Akkusativ) | den Verzehr |
As mentioned, the plural is rarely used. If needed, it would be "die Verzehre".
💬 Example Sentences
- Der Verzehr von rohem Fleisch wird nicht empfohlen.
(The consumption of raw meat is not recommended.) - Bitte beachten Sie die Hinweise zum Verzehr vor Ort.
(Please note the instructions for on-site consumption.) - Nach dem Verzehr des Kuchens fühlte er sich satt.
(After the consumption of the cake, he felt full.) - Der übermäßige Verzehr von Zucker ist ungesund.
(The excessive consumption of sugar is unhealthy.)
💡 How is "der Verzehr" used?
"Der Verzehr" is typically used in more formal contexts or written notices, often related to:
- Food safety: Notices like "Zum Verzehr geeignet bis..." (Suitable for consumption until...)
- Restaurants & Retail: Regulations like "Verzehr nur im Restaurant gestattet" (Consumption only permitted in the restaurant) or "Preis inklusive Verzehr" (Price includes consumption).
- Health & Nutrition: Discussions about the "Verzehr von Vitaminen" (consumption of vitamins) or the "durchschnittlichen Verzehr" (average consumption) of certain foods.
- Statistics: Information on the per capita consumption (Pro-Kopf-Verzehr) of items like meat or coffee.
In everyday spoken language, people are more likely to say "das Essen" (the food/eating), "das Trinken" (the drinking) or use the verbs "essen" (to eat) / "trinken" (to drink). "Verzehr" often sounds more official or elevated.
It's related to the verb verzehren, meaning "to consume" (eat or drink), often implying enjoyment or finishing completely.
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Article Mnemonic: Think of "der Hunger" (the hunger) or "der Durst" (the thirst), which lead to Verzehr (consumption). Both hunger and thirst are masculine nouns in German, just like der Verzehr.
Meaning Mnemonic: "Verzehr" sounds a bit like "for share" - but it's the opposite! You consume it, you don't share it. Or think of the English word "devour", which starts similarly and implies consumption. The German verb "zehren" means to consume or deplete.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Same Meaning (Synonyms):
- Konsum / Konsumation: Very similar, often interchangeable. "Konsum" can be broader (including goods). "Konsumation" is often synonymous with consuming food/drinks (like Verzehr).
- Genuss: Emphasizes the pleasure/enjoyment of eating/drinking.
- Aufnahme (von Nahrung): More technical/biological term for intake (of food).
- Essen / Trinken: The everyday verbs/nouns for eating / drinking.
Opposite Meaning (Antonyms):
- Produktion / Herstellung: The production / manufacturing of food.
- Fasten / Enthaltsamkeit: Fasting / abstinence; deliberately refraining from consumption.
- Ausscheidung: Excretion; the biological process after food intake.
😄 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Salat nicht mit dem Dressing gesprochen?
Weil er den stillen Verzehr bevorzugte!
(Why didn't the salad talk to the dressing?
Because it preferred silent consumption!)
📜 Poem about the Word
Der Duft steigt auf, so wunderbar,
Zum Verzehr steht es fertig da.
Ein Apfel rot, ein kühler Wein,
So lädt das Leben uns gern ein.
Doch maßvoll sei der Gaumenschmaus,
Sonst ist's mit Wohlgefühl bald aus.
(The scent arises, so wonderful,
Ready for consumption, beautiful.
An apple red, a cool wine bright,
Life invites us with delight.
But moderate be the palate's feast,
Or well-being soon has ceased.)
❓ Riddle Time
Ich bin ein Akt, ganz ohne Frage,
Begleite dich durch viele Tage.
Mal schnell, mal langsam, mal mit Lust,
Still' Hunger ich und auch den Durst.
Was bin ich?
(I am an act, without a doubt,
Accompanying you day in, day out.
Sometimes fast, sometimes slow, sometimes with zest,
I satisfy hunger and thirst's request.
What am I?)
Solution: Der Verzehr (Consumption)
🧩 Other Information
Word Formation (Wortbildung): The word "Verzehr" is a nominalization (making a noun) from the stem of the verb "verzehren" (to consume). The prefix "ver-" can imply completion or using something up (something is used up by eating/drinking).
Context: Although it often sounds formal, you'll frequently find "Verzehr" on packaging ("Mindestens haltbar bis... Ungeöffnet zum Verzehr empfohlen..." - "Best before... Recommended for consumption unopened...") or on menus ("Verzehr nur an den Tischen" - "Consumption only at the tables").
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Verzehr?
The German word Verzehr means consumption (of food and drink) and is masculine. The correct article is der Verzehr. It is almost always used in the singular (Genitive: des Verzehrs).