köstlich

Köstlich is a German adjective meaning delicious or tasty, typically used to describe food or drink. In addition to flavor, köstlich can be used in a broader, figurative sense to mean delightful, enjoyable, or amusing. The word is common in everyday German as well as in culinary contexts, menus, and reviews. The corresponding noun is Köstlichkeit, meaning a delicacy or treat, with the plural Köstlichkeiten denoting a range of delicacies.

Etymology and related terms: Köstlich derives from Middle High German kostlich, from Kost meaning food or provisions, with the suffix -lich forming an adjective. It is related to Dutch kostelijk and other Germanic cognates. The sense shift from “food considered valuable” to “delicious” reflects historical associations between quality sustenance and taste.

Usage notes: In sentences you typically say Das Essen schmeckt köstlich or Die Suppe ist köstlich. Köstlich can also be used with exclamation: Das ist köstlich! (That is delightful or amusing in a lighthearted sense). In culinary contexts Köstlichkeit can indicate a delicacy or specialty, and Köstlichkeiten refer to a collection of such treats.

Regional and stylistic variation: Standard German uses köstlich widely, but in some dialects the term may be replaced by synonyms such as lecker or delikat. In advertising and menu language, köstlich can sound more expressive or emphatic.