Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Brötchen | /ˈbʁøːtçən/ | neuter |
| Semmel | /ˈzɛml̩/ /ˈzɛməl/ (Germany) |
Austria, Bavaria, Southern Germany, feminine |
| Schrippe | /ˈʃʁɪpə/ | feminine |
| Rolle | /ˈʁɔlə/ | feminine |
| Weck | /vɛk/ | Southern Germany, masculine |
| Weckerl | Austria, neuter |
A bread roll refers to a miniature round loaf of bread. While Brötchen is the most widely understood term across Germany, various regional terms are often preferred in local dialects.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Brötchen is the diminutive form of Brot (bread), literally meaning 'little bread'.
Which one should you use?
Brötchen is the standard, widely understood term, whereas other forms are specific to certain areas or dialects.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria and Austria, the standard term is Semmel. In Berlin, you will commonly hear Schrippe. In parts of Southern Germany, the term Weck is used. In Austria, Weckerl is also used.
How does it change in a sentence?
Brötchen is a neuter noun. Semmel and Schrippe are feminine nouns. Weck is a masculine noun. Weckerl is a neuter noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbʁøːtçən/
Did you know?
- The Berlin term Schrippe is not just a name, but is thought to come from the verb schripfen, which means 'to tear open', describing the action of breaking the bread.
- A common German breakfast custom involves serving a Brötchen with a variety of cold cuts and cheeses, often accompanied by a soft-boiled egg.
- While Brötchen is the general term, using Schrippe outside of Berlin can make a speaker sound as if they are intentionally adopting a very specific city persona.
Examples in context
- „Das Brötchen sieht aber gut aus! Was ist denn da drauf?“ – „Salami, Gurke, Salat und Ei. Es war auch ganz schön teuer. 2,50 € hat es gekostet.“"That bread roll looks rather nice. What's in it?" "Salami, cucumber, lettuce and egg. It was also rather expensive. It cost €2.50."This sentence is useful for describing the appearance, contents and price of a Brötchen.Tatoeba #8564884 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10119791 by sundown
- Ich hätte gerne ein Brötchen mit Käse, bitte.I would like a bread roll with cheese, please.
- Ich esse jeden Morgen zwei Brötchen zum Frühstück.I eat two bread rolls every morning for breakfast.
- Die Auswahl an Brötchen in dieser Bäckerei ist fantastisch!The variety of bread rolls in this bakery is fantastic!
- Kannst du mir bitte eine Semmel mit Butter reichen?Can you pass me a bread roll with butter, please?
- Geh doch schnell zum Bäcker und kauf ein paar Semmeln.Why don't you quickly go to the bakery and buy some bread rolls?
- Die Semmeln hier schmecken besonders gut.The bread rolls here taste especially good.
- Ich möchte ein warmes Brötchen.I want a warm bread roll.
- Möchtest du ein Brötchen mit Käse?Would you like a bread roll with cheese?
Example conversation
Julia and Felix are having breakfast together.
- JuliaFelix, möchtest du auch ein Brötchen?Felix, would you like a bread roll too?
- FelixJa, bitte gib mir ein Brötchen.Yes, please give me a bread roll.
- JuliaHier ist dein Brötchen.Here is your bread roll.
- FelixDanke, Julia!Thanks, Julia!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bread roll” translations and entries Brötchen, Semmel, Schrippe, Rolle, Weck, Weckerl, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Brötchen, Rolle, Schrippe, Semmel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
