Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| bezaubernd | /bəˈtsaʊbɐnt/ |
| süß | /zyːs/ (standard) /syːs/ (Austria) |
| goldig | /ˈɡɔldɪç/ /ˈɡɔldɪk/ |
| niedlich | [ˈniːtlɪç] (narrow) |
These terms are used to describe something or someone that is befitting of being adored.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. süß is the most common colloquial way to say "adorable" or "cute" in everyday conversation and is more general for anything one finds endearing. In contrast, niedlich is often used for things that are small, delicate or "cute" in a somewhat diminutive sense. bezaubernd carries a stronger sense of being "enchanting" or "captivating" compared to the more casual süß. Additionally, bezaubernd can be understood as "enchanting" or "charming". Finally, goldig is another option for expressing that something is adorable.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word süß is used both to mean "sweet" (taste) and "adorable" (appearance/behavior) depending on the context.
How do you pronounce it?
/bəˈtsaʊbɐnt/
Did you know?
- The term bezaubernd is rooted in the word Zauber, meaning 'magic' or 'spell'. To call someone bezaubernd is literally to say they have cast a spell on you.
- The German word niedlich shares an ancient root with the English word 'needy', both stemming from a concept of 'eagerness' or 'desire'.
- Calling a romantic partner süß can sometimes be perceived as patronizing or 'too cute', whereas bezaubernd is seen as a more sophisticated and mature compliment.
Examples in context
- Sie sind sehr süß.They're adorable.This sentence uses süß to describe people.Tatoeba #4020272 by pullnosemans, translation #3826946 by CK
- Füchse sind echt süß!Foxes are so adorable!This sentence uses süß to describe foxes.Tatoeba #11031659 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11031236 by shekitten
- Sie ist so bezaubernd.She's so adorable.This sentence uses bezaubernd to describe a woman.Tatoeba #12000971 by Naina, translation #6110965 by mailohilohi
- Die kleine Katze ist so niedlichThe little cat is so adorable
- Sie hat ein entzückendes LächelnShe has an adorable smile
- Sie ist eine bezaubernde PersonShe is an adorable person
- Das Baby ist so süßThe baby is so adorable
- Der Welpe ist so liebenswertThe puppy is so adorable
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are looking at photos of a newborn baby.
- MaximilianDas Baby ist wirklich bezaubernd.The baby is truly adorable.
- LauraJa, er ist so bezaubernd.Yes, he is so adorable.
- MaximilianSchau dir diese kleinen Hände an!Look at those little hands!
- LauraEr ist einfach ein Traum.He is simply a dream.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “adorable” translations and entries bezaubernd, süß, goldig, niedlich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries goldig, niedlich, süß, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
