Linsen

lentils

noun LIN-zen Rare

Origin: from Old High German linsī, from Latin lens

Usage Note

Linsen is typically used in the plural (die Linsen); the singular die Linse also means lens or lentil. The classic German dish Linsen mit Spätzle und Saitenwürstle (lentils with egg noodles and Frankfurt sausages) is iconic in Baden-Württemberg.

Examples

"Linsensuppe mit Essig und Speck ist ein einfaches, sättigendes Gericht."

Natural Translation

Lentil soup with vinegar and bacon is a simple, filling dish.

Literal Translation

Lentil soup with vinegar and bacon is a simple, filling dish.

Related Words

Explore German by topic

GermanNow

German Days, Months & Seasons (am, im & -tag)

Days of the week in German use am, months and seasons use im — plus the -tag pattern, capitalized nouns, and how to build a real sentence with a day.

June 5, 2026 4 min read

GermanNow

Order Food in German: Restaurant Phrases

Order food in German with confidence: use ich hätte gern, read the Speisekarte, ask die Rechnung bitte, and handle zusammen oder getrennt like a local.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

GermanNow

How to Tell Time in German Without Mistakes

Halb sieben means 6:30, not 7:30. Master telling time in German — Viertel nach, halb, vor, the 24-hour clock, and the prepositions that trip up beginners.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

GermanNow

How Long Does It Take to Learn German? Real Timeline

How long to learn German? Conversational B1 takes ~6–12 months, fluent B2 about 1.5–2.5 years part-time. Here's an honest, hours-based timeline by CEFR level.

June 9, 2026 5 min read