Schüssel
/ˈʃʏsəl/feminine
The German word for bowl is Schüssel. Wiktionary also lists Schale.
Meaning: container for food (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Schüssel | /ˈʃʏsəl/ /ˈʃʏsl̩/ |
feminine |
| Schale | /ˈʃaːlə/ | feminine |
In German, there are different words for a bowl depending on its shape and intended use. While Schüssel and Schale both mean bowl, they refer to different types of containers. Additionally, Schale can also mean the shell or peel of something, such as a nut shell or fruit peel.
Which one should you use?
Schüssel is typically used for deeper, larger containers, such as mixing bowls or serving bowls. In contrast, Schale is used for shallower containers, such as a small fruit bowl or a cereal bowl.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both Schale and Schüssel are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃʏsəl/
Did you know?
- The English word 'shell' and the German word Schale are distant cousins, both stemming from the same ancient Proto-Germanic roots.
Examples in context
- Die Schüssel ist staubbedeckt.The bowl is covered in dust.This sentence uses Schüssel to describe a bowl covered in dust.Tatoeba #1385126 by al_ex_an_der, translation #12493099 by sundown
- Ich brauche eine größere Schale.I need a bigger bowl.This sentence uses Schale to express the need for a larger bowl.Tatoeba #6814728 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6691664 by Eccles17
- Es ist kein Zucker in der Schale.There is no sugar in the bowl.This sentence uses Schale to indicate that there is no sugar in the bowl.Tatoeba #787638 by Esperantostern, translation #35186 by CM
- Ich habe eine Schale SuppeI have a bowl of soup
- Der Hund frisst aus seinem NapfThe dog is eating from his bowl
- Meine Mutter hat eine wunderschöne, große Schüssel für Salate.My mother has a beautiful, large bowl for salads.
- Kannst du mir bitte den Napf mit Wasser für die Katze füllen?Can you please fill the bowl with water for the cat?
- 47 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are preparing dinner in the kitchen.
- HannahFelix, hast du die Schüssel gesehen?Felix, have you seen the bowl?
- FelixJa, sie steht im Schrank.Yes, it is in the cupboard.
- HannahGut, ich hole sie für den Salat.Good, I will get it for the salad.
- FelixDanke, Hannah.Thanks, Hannah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bowl” translations and entries Schüssel, Schale, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schale, Schüssel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
