Bienenstich
/ˈbiːnənˌʃtɪç/
The English phrase "bee sting cake" is translated into German as Bienenstich.
Bienenstich refers to a traditional German cake made with a yeast dough filled with cream and topped with caramelized almonds. While the English term "bee sting cake" is a literal translation, in Germany the cake is almost exclusively referred to by its single-word name, Bienenstich.
What does it mean word for word?
Bienenstich is a compound noun made of Bienen (bees) and Stich (sting).
Is it said differently in some regions?
A regional variation known as Schwäbischer Bienenstich is native to the Swabian region of Germany.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbiːnənˌʃtɪç/
Did you know?
- A popular legend claims the cake commemorates a 1474 battle where baker apprentices threw beehives at soldiers to defend their city. The attackers were forced to retreat after being stung by the bees.
- The name might not refer to bees at all, but rather to the word 'Stich' meaning a 'stocked up mass'.
Examples in context
- Lass uns heute Abend Bienenstich essen!Let's have 'Bee Sting Cake' tonight!
- Ich hätte gerne ein Stück Bienenstich.I would like a piece of bee sting cake.
- Der Bienenstich schmeckt heute sehr gut.The bee sting cake tastes very good today.
- Möchtest du Bienenstich zum Kaffee essen?Would you like to eat bee sting cake with your coffee?
Example conversation
Hannah and Maximilian are in a cozy cafe.
- HannahGibt es hier auch Bienenstich?Do you also have bee sting cake here?
- MaximilianJa, unser Bienenstich ist heute frisch gebacken.Yes, our bee sting cake is freshly baked today.
- HannahDann nehme ich ein Stück für mich.Then I will have a piece for myself.
- MaximilianSehr gute Wahl, Hannah!Very good choice, Hannah!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Bienenstich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bienenstich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
