How to Say You Are Allergic to Peanuts in German
Learn to state a specific food allergy in German with 'Ich bin allergisch gegen Erdnüsse' and explain that it is an immune reaction, not a gluten-free diet choice.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
If you need to tell someone in German that you are allergic to peanuts, the key structure is 'Ich bin allergisch gegen ...' followed by the allergen. This lesson teaches you to name a specific allergy, ask whether a dish contains peanuts, and explain that an allergy is an immune reaction rather than a dietary preference such as gluten-free eating. You will practise full sentences you can use in restaurants, at a doctor's office or with hosts.
By the end, you can…
- state that I am allergic to peanuts using a complete German sentence.
- ask whether a dish or product contains peanuts.
- explain that an allergy is an immune reaction, not the same as eating gluten-free.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Ich bin allergisch gegen Erdnüsse.
I am allergic to peanuts.
ikh bin ah-LAIR-gish GAY-gen AIRT-nue-suh
The standard, clear way to state a peanut allergy. 'Gegen' takes the accusative here and is the usual preposition for a specific allergen.
Ich habe eine Erdnussallergie.
I have a peanut allergy.
ikh HAH-buh EYE-nuh AIRT-noos-ah-lair-GHEE
A noun-based alternative. The compound 'Erdnussallergie' is common in medical and everyday contexts.
Enthält das Erdnüsse?
Does this contain peanuts?
ent-HELT das AIRT-nue-suh
Use this while pointing at a menu item or product. 'Enthalten' means 'to contain' and is the verb you will see on food labels.
Ich darf keine Erdnüsse essen.
I must not eat peanuts.
ikh darf KY-nuh AIRT-nue-suh ESS-en
A practical way to say what you cannot eat. 'Darf' expresses permission or prohibition, not just ability.
Bei mir ist das eine Immunreaktion, keine Unverträglichkeit.
For me it is an immune reaction, not an intolerance.
by meer ist das EYE-nuh im-MOON-ray-ak-TSYOHN, KY-nuh un-fair-TRAY-glikh-kite
Useful for explaining the medical difference. A peanut allergy can be severe, unlike a mild intolerance.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The core pattern is 'Ich bin allergisch gegen' plus the allergen in the accusative plural or singular: 'Ich bin allergisch gegen Erdnüsse' (peanuts), 'Ich bin allergisch gegen Penicillin' (penicillin), 'Ich bin allergisch gegen Bienenstiche' (bee stings). For a noun-based statement, use 'Ich habe eine ...allergie': 'Ich habe eine Nussallergie' (I have a nut allergy). Note that German nouns are capitalised, and compound nouns such as 'Erdnussallergie' are written as one word.
When to use it
Use 'Ich bin allergisch gegen ...' when you need to be direct and clear, especially with restaurant staff or medical personnel. Use 'Enthält das Erdnüsse?' before ordering or buying food. If someone offers you a dish, say 'Ich darf keine Erdnüsse essen' rather than only 'Ich mag keine Erdnüsse', which would sound like a preference. To distinguish an allergy from gluten-free eating, explain 'Eine Allergie ist eine Immunreaktion, keine Diät' (an allergy is an immune reaction, not a diet). Gluten-free eating may be a medical need or a lifestyle choice, but a peanut allergy involves the immune system and can be life-threatening.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Guten Tag, enthält dieses Gericht Erdnüsse?
Hello, does this dish contain peanuts?GOO-ten tahk, ent-HELT DEE-zes guh-RISHT AIRT-nue-suhJa, leider. Es ist mit Erdnussöl zubereitet.
Yes, unfortunately. It is prepared with peanut oil.yah, LY-duh. es ist mit AIRT-noos-uhl tsoo-buh-RY-tetDanke. Ich bin allergisch gegen Erdnüsse. Das ist eine Immunreaktion.
Thank you. I am allergic to peanuts. That is an immune reaction.DAN-kuh. ikh bin ah-LAIR-gish GAY-gen AIRT-nue-suh. das ist EYE-nuh im-MOON-ray-ak-TSYOHNVerstehe. Ich bringe Ihnen etwas ohne Erdnüsse.
I understand. I will bring you something without peanuts.fair-SHTAY-uh. ikh BRING-uh EE-nen ETS-vas OH-nuh AIRT-nue-suhA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking countries, food allergies are taken seriously, and packaged food usually lists allergens in bold. In restaurants, staff may not always know every ingredient, so it is normal to ask clearly and politely. The formal 'Sie' is appropriate with strangers and service staff; with friends or family, use 'du'. Saying 'Ich bin allergisch' is not considered rude or overly dramatic.
One thing to watch for
Saying 'Ich bin allergisch zu Erdnüsse' or 'Ich habe Allergie gegen Erdnüsse'.
Try this instead: Use 'gegen' with the accusative and the correct article: 'Ich bin allergisch gegen Erdnüsse.' For the noun form, say 'Ich habe eine Erdnussallergie' rather than 'Ich habe Allergie'.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say 'I am allergic to peanuts' in German?
Show a sample answer
Ich bin allergisch gegen Erdnüsse.
This uses the standard pattern 'allergisch gegen' plus the plural 'Erdnüsse'. 'Ich habe eine Erdnussallergie' is also correct and slightly more formal.
2You are in a restaurant and want to ask if a dish contains peanuts. What do you say?
Show a sample answer
Enthält das Erdnüsse?
'Enthält' is the third-person singular of 'enthalten' (to contain). You could also ask 'Sind da Erdnüsse drin?' in informal spoken German.
3How would you explain that your peanut allergy is an immune reaction, not an intolerance?
Show a sample answer
Bei mir ist das eine Immunreaktion, keine Unverträglichkeit.
This contrasts 'Immunreaktion' with 'Unverträglichkeit'. Another valid option is 'Das ist eine Allergie, keine Unverträglichkeit.'
Use 'Ich bin allergisch gegen Erdnüsse' to state your allergy clearly, and remember that an allergy is an immune reaction, not the same as choosing gluten-free food.
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