das Obst das OPST
the fruit
“Das Obst” = fruit (a collective word, used without a plural). At the Wochenmarkt you'll often find regional, seasonal fruit: “Erdbeeren” (strawberries) in summer, “Äpfel” (apples) in autumn. “Aus der Region” = locally grown, a big selling point for Germans.
das Gemüse das ghe-MÜ-ze
the vegetables
“Das Gemüse” = vegetables (also a collective word). “Kartoffeln” (potatoes), “Tomaten” (tomatoes), “Spargel” (asparagus — the star of spring, “Spargelzeit”). “Ich hätte gern...” = I'd like... — the polite shopping phrase.
das Pfund das PFUNT
the pound (500 g)
WATCH OUT: in Germany “ein Pfund” = a round 500 g (NOT 453 g like the Anglo pound)! It's used daily at the market. “ein halbes Pfund” = 250 g, “ein Kilo” = 1000 g. The vendor often asks “Darf's ein bisschen mehr sein?” = can it be a bit more? (when the scale goes slightly over).
frisch FRIȘ
fresh
“frisch” = fresh — the key word at the market. “erntefrisch” = freshly harvested, “aus der Region” = locally grown, “Bio” = organic. “Was hat heute Saison?” = what's in season today? — a question that pleases the vendor.
bar zahlen BAR ȚA-len
to pay cash
At the Wochenmarkt you almost always pay CASH (“bar”) — many vendors have no card terminal. “Nur Bargeld” = cash only. “Haben Sie's klein?” = do you have small change? — the vendor prefers small notes. “Stimmt so” works here too if you round up.
ScenaLingua
