die
Kostprobe
🍽️ What Exactly is a Kostprobe?
A Kostprobe (feminine, article: die) refers to a small amount of something, usually food or drink, that you can try to get an impression of its taste or quality. You often receive it for free, for example at markets, in shops, or during promotional events.
Figuratively, 'Kostprobe' can also mean a small preview or a first impression of something else, such as a skill, a performance, or an experience.
Example: Eine Kostprobe seines Könnens (A sample of his skills).
This word only uses the feminine article die. 🚨 Be careful not to confuse it with other words like 'Kosten' (plural of 'cost').
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Die Kostprobe
The noun 'Kostprobe' is feminine. Here are the declension tables:
Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die | Kostprobe |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der | Kostprobe |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der | Kostprobe |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die | Kostprobe |
Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Kostproben |
| Genitive | der | Kostproben |
| Dative | den | Kostproben |
| Accusative | die | Kostproben |
Example Sentences
- Der Käsehändler bot uns eine Kostprobe seines neuen Bergkäses an. (The cheese monger offered us a sample of his new mountain cheese.)
- Nach nur einer kleinen Kostprobe des Weins wusste sie, dass er ihr schmeckte. (After just a small taste of the wine, she knew she liked it.)
- Die Musiker gaben eine kurze Kostprobe ihres Programms zum Besten. (The musicians performed a short sample of their program.)
- Wir bekamen viele leckere Kostproben auf dem Wochenmarkt. (We got many tasty samples at the weekly market.)
💡 How to Use 'Kostprobe'?
The term 'Kostprobe' is very commonly used in the context of food and drink. You talk about a Kostprobe Käse (cheese sample), Wein (wine), Wurst (sausage), Kuchen (cake), etc.
- Typical Situations: At markets, in supermarkets (promo stands), at trade fairs, during wine tastings, in delicatessens.
- Figurative Meaning: You can also get a 'Kostprobe' of talent, skill, an atmosphere, or a future experience. Example: Der Trailer gab eine gute Kostprobe des Films. (The trailer gave a good taste/preview of the movie.)
- Distinction: A 'Probe' can be more general (e.g., Theaterprobe - rehearsal, Stoffprobe - fabric sample). A 'Muster' is often something to take with you (e.g., Tapetenmuster - wallpaper sample, Produktmuster - product sample). A 'Kostprobe' specifically refers to trying something by tasting or experiencing it.
🧠 Memory Aids for Kostprobe
Article Mnemonic: Think of die Probe (the sample, the test, the rehearsal). A Kostprobe is a specific type of Probe, and 'Probe' is feminine. So: die Probe -> die Kostprobe.
Meaning Mnemonic: The word is composed of kosten (meaning 'to taste' or 'to sample') and Probe ('sample' or 'test'). You kosten (taste) a small Probe (sample). That makes a Kostprobe!
🔄 Similar & Opposite: Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Words)
- Probierhäppchen: (Tasting morsel) Very similar, emphasizes the small bite to eat.
- Geschmacksprobe: (Taste sample) Emphasizes testing the flavor.
- Muster: (Sample, pattern) Can be similar, but often more general (e.g., Stoffmuster - fabric sample) or intended to be taken away.
- Vorgeschmack: (Foretaste) More often used for the figurative meaning (a first impression of something to come).
Antonyms (Opposites)
- Ganze Mahlzeit / Vollportion: (Whole meal / Full portion) The opposite of a small sample.
- Vollversion / Gesamtwerk: (Full version / Complete work) Figuratively, the opposite of a preview.
- Hauptgericht: (Main course) In the context of a meal.
⚠️ Similar, but Different Words
Kostenprobe: Also exists, but is less common and sounds a bit more formal than Kostprobe. The meaning is practically identical.
Die Kosten (plural): Refers to expenses or prices, has nothing to do with 'tasting' or 'sampling'.
😂 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Geizhals die Käse-Kostprobe abgelehnt?
Er meinte: "Ich bin Laktose-intolerant gegenüber Gratisangeboten!"
(Why did the cheapskate refuse the cheese sample?
He said: "I'm lactose intolerant towards free offers!")
📜 A Poem about the Kostprobe
Auf dem Markt, welch ein Genuss,
liegt ein Häppchen, süßer Kuss.
Eine Kostprobe, klein und fein,
lädt zum Probieren herzlich ein.
Ein Stückchen Wurst, ein Schlückchen Wein,
so soll der Einkauf fröhlich sein!
(At the market, what a delight,
lies a morsel, a sweet kiss bright.
A sample, small and fine,
invites you warmly to try and dine.
A piece of sausage, a sip of wine,
shopping should be this divine!)
❓ Riddle Time
Ich bin klein und oft umsonst zu haben,
lasse dich am Geschmack erlaben.
Ob Käse, Wein, ob süße Speis,
ich geb' dir einen kleinen Beweis.
Was bin ich?
(I am small and often free,
letting you delight in taste, you see.
Whether cheese, or wine, or sweet delight,
I give you a small proof, ever so slight.
What am I?)
(Answer: die Kostprobe)
🧩 Further Details
Word Composition
The word 'Kostprobe' is a compound noun, composed of:
- kosten: Verb, here meaning 'to taste' or 'to sample'.
- Probe: Noun, meaning 'trial', 'test', or 'sample'.
Trivia
Offering Kostproben (samples) is a widespread marketing strategy to encourage customers to make a purchase. They are particularly popular in the food retail sector and at trade fairs.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Kostprobe?
The word 'Kostprobe' is always feminine. The correct article is die Kostprobe. It refers to a small sample for tasting (often food) or a first impression.