noun
der Kohl, -e
cabbage
Das ist ein grünes oder weißes Gemüse mit runden Blättern, das oft im Salat oder gekocht gegessen wird.
Definition & meaning
The German word Kohl refers to a group of vegetables belonging to the genus Brassica. In English, it is translated as "cabbage" or "kale."
- Botanical meaning: It refers to various types of cabbage or related plants such as broccoli, cauliflower, or kale.
- Colloquial meaning: In German, the term is frequently used in the idiom "Das ist doch alles Kohl!" or "Dummfug/Kohl reden," which means "nonsense" or "rubbish." It is used to describe something trivial, untrue, or unimportant.
Grammar & Word origin
- Grammar: It is a masculine noun (der Kohl). It is typically used as an uncountable noun when referring to the vegetable, though its plural form Kohle exists when referring to different varieties.
- Origin: The word originates from the Old High German kōl, which was derived from the Latin word caulis (meaning stalk or cabbage).
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- For the vegetable: Gemüse (in a broader sense), Kraut.
- For the idiomatic meaning (nonsense): Unsinn, Quatsch, Stuss, Blödsinn.
Antonyms:
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Examples
Der Kohl ist frisch.noun
The cabbage is fresh.
Heute kaufe ich einen großen Kohl.noun
Today I am buying a big cabbage.
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