Klecks
/klɛks/masculine
The English phrase 'blob' can be translated into German as Klecks or Klümpchen.
Meaning: shapeless or amorphous mass (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Klecks | /klɛks/ | masculine |
| Klümpchen | neuter |
Both words refer to a shapeless or amorphous mass.
Which one should you use?
Klümpchen is a diminutive form, implying a small, solid mass rather than a large, spreading stain.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Klecks is Klecke. The form Klümpchen remains the same in its plural form, Klümpchen.
How do you pronounce it?
/klɛks/
Did you know?
- In German, the word Klecks is often used in the name of the famous character 'Klecksophant', a creature made of ink blots used to teach children about imagination.
- The word Klecks is used in the phrase einen Klecks Sahne, meaning a small dollop of cream. In this context, it describes a culinary portion rather than a messy stain.
- The word Klumpen is used in the German expression einen Klumpen im Hals haben. This describes the physical sensation of a 'lump in the throat' when someone is about to cry.
Examples in context
- Der Künstler formte den Ton zu einem großen Klumpen.The artist shaped the clay into a large lump.
- Die Masse auf dem Tisch hatte eine seltsame, undefinierbare Form.The mass on the table had a strange, indefinable shape.
- Der Chemiker untersuchte den formlosen Körper unter dem Mikroskop.The chemist examined the formless body under the microscope.
- Wir haben im Park im Matsch herumgespielt.We played around in the mud in the park.
- Die Suppe sah aus wie eine graue, eklige Pampe.The soup looked like a gray, disgusting mush.
- Ein blauer Klecks auf dem Papier.A blue blob on the paper.
- Auf dem Tisch ist ein großer Klecks.There is a large blob on the table.
- Der blaue Klecks sieht seltsam aus.The blue blob looks strange.
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are cleaning up a messy kitchen after breakfast.
- LauraLukas, was ist das für ein Klecks auf dem Boden?Lukas, what kind of blob is that on the floor?
- LukasDas ist nur ein kleiner Klecks Erdbeersauce.It is just a small blob of strawberry sauce.
- LauraKannst du ihn bitte schnell wegwischen?Can you please wipe it up quickly?
- LukasJa, mache ich sofort.Yes, I will do it immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “blob” translations and entries Klecks, Klümpchen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
