säuerlich

Säuerlich is a German adjective used to describe something that has a mild to noticeable sourness or acidity. It can refer to taste, smell, or figurative impressions, and is often chosen when the sourness is present but not overpowering. The form can describe flavor, scent, or mood in a nuanced way.

In culinary contexts säuerlich denotes a tart or tangy note rather than a sharp sourness. For example, a wine, apples, or a sauce can be described as säuerlich when they have a recognizable sour edge without being aggressively sour. The term is common in descriptions of foods and beverages, especially in contrast to neutral or sweet profiles. It is less extreme than saure, which tends to imply stronger acidity.

Säuerlich can also describe smell or mood. A sour or vinegary smell might be called säuerlich, as in a cheese or dairy product that carries a mild sour note. Figuratively, one might speak of a säuerliche Miene or säuerliche Stimmung to convey a character or atmosphere that feels grumpy or disapproving, though with a milder, less harsh tone than outright anger.

Etymologically, säuerlich forms from the adjective sauer (sour) plus the suffix -lich, which yields an adjective indicating resemblance or characteristic. It is primarily used in German and is most appropriate for describing subtler or more refined sourness than the plain saure. Related terms include sauer and süßlich for contrasting taste impressions.