herbe
Translation
tart, dry (of wine), harsh, bitter
Examples
Der Wein hat eine herbe Note.
The wine has a tart note.
Das war eine herbe Enttäuschung.
That was a bitter disappointment.
Ich mag den herben Duft von Kräutern.
I like the tangy scent of herbs.
Grammar Patterns
((Noun)) ...is tart/harsh Der Wein ist herb.
((Adjective)) ((Noun)) a tart/harsh... eine herbe Niederlage
Similar Words
sauer (sour), bitter (bitter); Antonyms: süß (sweet), mild (mild)
Etymology
From Old High German 'harb' (sharp, bitter). Related to English 'harvest', perhaps evoking the taste of unripe fruit.
Memory Tips
Connect the German 'herb' with the English word 'herb'. Many herbs have a sharp, tart, or bitter taste.