wiener schnitzel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Culinary
Quick answer
What does “wiener schnitzel” mean?
A breaded, pan-fried veal cutlet.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A breaded, pan-fried veal cutlet.
A popular Austrian dish of thin, breaded and fried veal cutlet, traditionally served without sauce. The term is sometimes used more loosely outside Austria and Germany to refer to any breaded, fried meat cutlet.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'schnitzel' is the more common generic term for breaded meat cutlets, often pork or chicken. 'Wiener Schnitzel' is used specifically for the veal dish, mainly in restaurants and culinary contexts. In the US, 'Wiener Schnitzel' is less commonly used than 'veal cutlet' or 'breaded veal', though it remains a recognized culinary term.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term connotes a specific European (Austrian/German) dish. It suggests authenticity and a traditional preparation method.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday conversation in both regions, but higher in restaurant menus, food writing, and culinary discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “wiener schnitzel” in a Sentence
[Subject] serves/eats/cooks Wiener Schnitzel.[Subject] is a Wiener Schnitzel.Wiener Schnitzel is served with [Accompaniment].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “wiener schnitzel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The chef will schnitzel the veal for tonight's special.
American English
- He's in the kitchen schnitzeling the cutlets for dinner.
adverb
British English
- The meat was prepared schnitzel-style.
American English
- He cooked it wiener-schnitzel-fast.
adjective
British English
- We're aiming for a perfectly Wiener-Schnitzel-style coating.
American English
- This is a very wiener-schnitzel-like preparation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; might appear in hospitality, tourism, or import/export contexts related to food.
Academic
Used in culinary history, gastronomy, or cultural studies papers discussing Austrian or Central European cuisine.
Everyday
Used when discussing dining out, cooking, or travel experiences.
Technical
A precise culinary term with defined ingredients (veal) and preparation method (breaded, pan-fried in clarified butter or oil).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “wiener schnitzel”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “wiener schnitzel”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “wiener schnitzel”
- Capitalizing incorrectly (should be 'Wiener Schnitzel', not 'wiener schnitzel' in formal writing).
- Using it to refer to a hot dog (due to 'wiener' as a slang for sausage).
- Assuming any breaded meat is a Wiener Schnitzel.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not traditionally. In Austria and according to its protected definition, a Wiener Schnitzel is exclusively made from veal. A breaded pork cutlet is called a 'Schweineschnitzel'.
It is traditionally served simply, with a lemon wedge, and often accompanied by potato salad (Kartoffelsalat), parsley potatoes, or lingonberry jam.
Yes. 'Schnitzel' is a generic German term for any thin, breaded, and fried cutlet of meat. 'Wiener Schnitzel' is a specific type of schnitzel from Vienna (Wien), made strictly from veal.
The 'wave' or 'crackle' in the breading occurs due to the high heat and the use of clarified butter or oil, which causes the coating to puff up and separate slightly from the meat. This is considered a hallmark of a perfectly cooked Wiener Schnitzel.
A breaded, pan-fried veal cutlet.
Wiener schnitzel is usually formal, culinary in register.
Wiener schnitzel: in British English it is pronounced /ˌviːnə ˈʃnɪtsəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌvinər ˈʃnɪtsəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"The WIENER is from Vienna (Wien), and the SCHNITZEL is a slice; it's a Viennese slice of veal, cooked very nice."
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOD IS CULTURAL HERITAGE / AUTHENTICITY IS PURITY (of ingredients)
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meat used in a traditional Wiener Schnitzel?