In German
Pommes
Meaning: fries / chips
Formal or informal? “Pommes” is the everyday word in most of Germany. In Berlin and the north, people also say “Pommes frites” in full.
Example sentences
IchhättegernPommesmitKetchup.
I'd like fries with ketchup.
PommesfritessindmeinLieblingsessen.
Pommes frites are my favourite food.
DiePommessindrichtigheiß!
The fries are really hot!
Grammar note
“Die Pommes” is treated as a plural, so the verb agrees with a plural: “Die Pommes sind heiß” (the fries are hot).
Common mistake
“Pommes” isn't short for “potatoes”. It means the fried potato sticks, not potatoes in general, which are “Kartoffeln”.
Quick check
Which word means “fries”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What do Germans call “chips” (crisps)?
“Chips” are crisps; “Pommes” are fries. Don't mix them up.
What's the German for “potatoes”?
“Kartoffeln”. The plural is “Kartoffeln”, and the singular is “die Kartoffel”.