herb

tart, astringent

adjective HAIRP Rare

Also means

austere, severe

Usage Note

Herb describes a dry, tannic, astringent flavour — herber Wein (dry wine), herbe Äpfel (tart apples). Applied to character or landscape: eine herbe Schönheit (austere beauty), eine herbe Gegend (a stark region). Implies a bracing quality rather than softness.

Examples

"Der herbe Rotwein passte gut zum kräftigen Käse."

Natural Translation

The dry red wine paired well with the strong cheese.

Literal Translation

The tart red wine fitted well with the strong cheese.

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