Der Fleischersatz (pronounced like this) is one of roughly 3,000 new words added to the latest edition of the Duden German dictionary.

A few other timely new additions were: Klimakleber (climate activists who glue themselves to things), Ukrainekrieg (war in Ukraine), and Deutschlandticket.

What does it mean?

Like so many great German words, Fleischersatz is a compound noun with a meaning that is pretty intuitive, provided you’ve studied just a bit of basic vocabulary.

In this case the word contains Fleisch (meat) + Ersatz (replacement or substitute). 

So Fleischersatz quite literally means ‘meat replacement’. It can be used to describe foods designed to mimic meat, like veggie burgers, as well as foods like tofu when it’s used in place of animal proteins in certain recipes.

On a side note, another replacement term that’s very useful to know in Germany is Ersatzverkehr (replacement transport), because the word will commonly be seen on notifications alerting you to cancelled trains and buses.

Why is it useful?

Having just been added to the latest German dictionary, the growing prevalence of this term is demonstrative of changing dietary trends in Deutschland.

While Germany is still known far and wide for its sausages and hearty meat dishes, more and more German citizens and residents are choosing to eat more plant-based foods, especially among the younger generations. 

READ ALSO: Beer to Bratwurst – How stereotypes about Germany are beginning to change

In fact, according to Statista, Germany has become Europe’s biggest meat substitute market, surpassing the UK in recent years.

And, believe it or not, meat substitutes aren’t only for vegans and vegetarians anymore. German discount grocer Lidl, has just announced the launch of a new Hackfleisch (ground meat) product that contains 60 percent beef and 40 percent pea protein. Lidl says the product generates 37.5 percent less carbon emissions and is 33 percent cheaper.

With Fleischersatzprodukte seen on more grocery store shelves, and on more restaurant menus across the country, this is certainly a useful word to know no matter what you choose to put on your plate.

Use it like this:

Tofu kann als Fleischersatz verwendet werden.

Tofu can be used as a meat substitute.

Ich muss einen Fleischersatz für den Grill kaufen, weil mein Freund Vegetarier ist.

I need to buy a meat substitute for the BBQ, because my friend is vegetarian.