die  Delikatesse

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/dɛlikaˈtɛsə/

🍽️ What Exactly is a Delikatesse?

The German word die Delikatesse (noun, feminine) refers to a particularly fine, often rare or expensive food item, considered a Leckerbissen (treat) or Gaumenfreude (delight for the palate). It's something not eaten every day, promising special enjoyment.

In the plural (Delikatessen), it can also refer to a shop that sells such fine food items (a Delikatessengeschäft or delicatessen).

• Meaning 1: Fine food, treat, delicacy (e.g., caviar, truffles, oysters)
• Meaning 2 (mostly plural): Shop selling fine foods (delicatessen)

There is only the feminine article die for this word. 🚨 Be careful: Don't confuse it with 'delicacy' in the sense of tact or sensitivity, although the related German adjective 'delikat' can also have this meaning (e.g., eine delikate Angelegenheit - a delicate matter).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar: Die Delikatesse in Detail

The noun die Delikatesse is feminine. Here are the declension tables:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Kaviar gilt als eine teure Delikatesse.
   (Caviar is considered an expensive delicacy.)
2. Wir haben uns zum Jubiläum einige Delikatessen gegönnt.
   (We treated ourselves to some delicacies for the anniversary.)
3. In diesem Laden findet man viele italienische Delikatessen.
   (In this shop, you can find many Italian delicacies.)
4. Die Zubereitung dieser Delikatesse erfordert viel Fingerspitzengefühl.
   (The preparation of this delicacy requires a lot of sensitivity/skill.)

💡 Everyday Usage

Die Delikatesse is used when talking about special, high-quality foods. You often find the word in:

• Speisekarten (Menus): Especially in upscale restaurants to describe exquisite dishes.
• Feinkostläden (Delicatessens/Gourmet Shops): These are often called "Delikatessengeschäfte" or advertise with "Delikatessen aus aller Welt" (delicacies from around the world).
• Conversations about food: When you want to highlight something as particularly tasty, rare, or luxurious. (e.g., "Diese Pralinen sind eine wahre Delikatesse!" - "These chocolates are a real delicacy!")
• Cookbooks and recipes: For dishes using special, fine ingredients.

The term suggests quality, exclusivity, and enjoyment. It contrasts with everyday food or "Hausmannskost" (simple, traditional home cooking). Sometimes it's used slightly ironically when something is subjectively perceived as particularly tasty but might be objectively simple.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Mnemonic for the article (die):

Think of a diva (sounds like 'die'-va) who only eats the finest Delikatessen. Diva is feminine, so use die Delikatesse.

Mnemonic for the meaning:

Delikat-essen sounds like 'delicate eating'. What do you eat delicately? Something fine, special – a Delikatesse.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Watch out: The adjective 'delikat' can also mean 'delicate' or 'sensitive' in the sense of 'tricky' (e.g., eine delikate Angelegenheit - a tricky matter), which is unrelated to food.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Ober den Gast: "Hat Ihnen die Delikatesse geschmeckt?" Gast: "Ja, vorzüglich! Aber sagen Sie mal, war das auf der Rechnung auch eine Delikatesse?"

English Translation: The waiter asks the guest: "Did you enjoy the delicacy?" Guest: "Yes, excellent! But tell me, was that on the bill a delicacy too?"

📜 Poem about the Delikatesse

German:
Ob Trüffel fein, ob Kaviar,
Champagner perlt, so wunderbar.
Ein selt'ner Fisch, vom Meer gebracht,
Als Delikatesse dargebracht.

Nicht jeden Tag, doch dann und wann,
Zieht uns der Luxus in den Bann.
Ein Hochgenuss für Zung' und Gaum',
Ein kleiner, feiner Lebenstraum.

English Translation:
Whether fine truffle or caviar,
Champagne bubbles, so wonderful.
A rare fish, brought from the sea,
Presented as a delicacy.

Not every day, but now and then,
Luxury casts its spell on us then.
A supreme pleasure for tongue and palate,
A small, fine life's dream, is that.

❓ A Little Riddle

German:
Ich bin begehrt, doch selten nur zu Haus',
komm oft von weit, seh' köstlich aus.
Man zahlt viel Geld für meinen feinen Schmaus.
Man nennt mich Leckerbissen, wer findet's raus?

English Translation:
I am desired, but rarely at home,
Often come from far, look delicious when I roam.
People pay much money for my fine feast.
I'm called a tasty treat, who knows me at least?

Solution: die Delikatesse

✨ Other Information

• Wortherkunft (Word Origin): The word comes from the French délicatesse, meaning "fineness", "delicacy", or also "tidbit". The French word, in turn, derives from the Latin delicatus ("fine", "delicious", "pampered").
• Delikatessengeschäft (Delicatessen Shop): As mentioned, "Delikatessen" (plural) often refers to a shop selling fine foods. Example: "Ich kaufe den Käse immer im Delikatessengeschäft an der Ecke." (I always buy the cheese at the deli on the corner.)
• Cultural Differences: What is considered a Delikatesse in one culture (e.g., insects in some Asian countries) might be unusual or even off-putting in another.