Apfelkuchen
/ˈap͡fəlkuːχn̩/masculine
The German word for apple pie is Apfelkuchen.
Apfelkuchen refers to a pie or cake with an apple filling.
Meaning: pie with apple filling (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of Apfel (apple) and Kuchen (cake).
Which one should you use?
While English distinguishes between 'apple pie' and 'apple cake', German typically uses Apfelkuchen to cover both, even though it literally translates to 'apple cake'.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a masculine noun, Apfelkuchen changes its article to den when it is the direct object of a sentence (the accusative case).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈapfəlkuːχn̩/
Did you know?
- In Germany, Apfelkuchen is often served as a 'Kaffee und Kuchen' ritual in the afternoons, which is a social tradition similar to English afternoon tea.
- In many parts of Germany, if you ask for an 'apple pie' using the word Apfelkuchen, you might receive a sponge cake with apple slices rather than a pastry with a crust.
- If you are eating a sliced-style 'apple cake', you might refer to it as Apfelblechkuchen, which literally means 'apple sheet cake'.
Examples in context
- Tom will Apfelkuchen essen.Tom wants to eat some apple pie.This sentence shows how to use Apfelkuchen as a direct object.Tatoeba #1925014 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1830457 by CK
- Sie hat Apfelkuchen gebacken.She baked an apple pie.Tatoeba #2230609 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2230225 by Hybrid
- Ich möchte Apfelkuchen essen.I want to eat apple pie.Tatoeba #4296488 by quernd, translation #252663 by adjusting
- Ich möchte ein Stück Apfelkuchen, bitte.I would like a piece of apple pie, please.
- Lass uns nach dem Abendessen einen Apfelkuchen essen.Let's have some apple pie after dinner.
- Ich habe heute eine leckere Apfeltorte gebacken.I baked a delicious apple tart today.
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are in the kitchen in the afternoon.
- JuliaDer Apfelkuchen riecht sehr gut.The apple pie smells very good.
- MaximilianMöchtest du ein Stück essen, Julia?Would you like to eat a piece, Julia?
- JuliaJa, bitte, er sieht lecker aus.Yes, please, it looks delicious.
- MaximilianHier ist dein Stück Apfelkuchen.Here is your piece of apple pie.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “apple pie” translations and entries Apfelkuchen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
