Gerichte

Gerichte is a term used in German and Dutch that most commonly denotes dishes or prepared courses served as part of a meal. In German, das Gericht refers to a single prepared dish or course; the plural Gerichte is used for multiple dishes. In German, the word can also mean a court or tribunal, for example vor Gericht (in court); the meaning is determined by context. In Dutch, gerecht is the word for a dish, and gerechten is its plural; it likewise covers individual dishes as well as a meal consisting of several courses when used in plural.

In culinary contexts, Gerichte or gerechten are described by main ingredient, cooking technique, or region of origin. Menus may list starters, main courses, and desserts as separate Gerichte or gerechten. Regional cuisines emphasize traditional dishes, such as soups, meat dishes, fish, vegetarian options, and stews. The concept of a dish is central to meal planning, restaurant menus, and culinary literature, and it varies across cultures in terms of preparation, presentation, and serving order.

The term's legal meaning appears primarily in German; in Dutch, the legal sense is rare and typically expressed with other words for court. Context generally clarifies whether the reference is to food (dishes) or to a non-culinary sense such as law.