Butter
/ˈbʊtɐ/feminine
The English word "butter" is translated into German as Butter. If unsure, use Butter. Wiktionary also lists Anke and Budda.
Meaning: soft foodstuff made from milk (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Butter | /ˈbʊtɐ/ | feminine |
| Anke | /ˈaŋkə/ | Switzerland, masculine |
| Budda | masculine | |
| Budan | masculine | |
| Butta | masculine |
The term refers to the soft foodstuff made from milk. While Butter is the most common and straightforward term, other variations exist for specific types: Butterschmalz is used for clarified butter and Kräuterbutter refers to herb butter. To express the action of spreading butter on something, you can use the phrase mit Butter bestreichen.
Which one should you use?
Butter is the standard term, whereas Anke, Budda, Budan and Butta are alternative forms.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland, the word Anke is used for butter.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Butter is feminine and is used with the definite article die.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbʊtɐ/
Did you know?
- While Butter is the standard term, the regional variety Anke is a remnant of Old High German ancho.
- While most German speakers use the feminine Butter, you might encounter the masculine form in certain southern dialects.
Examples in context
- Wo ist die Butter?Where's the butter?This sentence is useful for asking for the location of the Butter.Tatoeba #1844120 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1841526 by CK
- Er aß ein Butterbrot.He ate bread and butter.This sentence shows how Butter is used in the context of bread and butter.Tatoeba #900056 by Esperantostern, translation #3693780 by CH
- Ist da Butter drinnen?Does it contain butter?This sentence is useful for asking if a food item contains Butter.Tatoeba #6588754 by brauchinet, translation #6588601 by Eccles17
- Möchtest du etwas Butter auf deinem Brot?Would you like some butter on your bread?
- Bist du bereit für eine Dosis Streichfett? Unsere hausgemachte Kräuterbutter wird dich begeistern!Are you ready for a dose of spreadable fat? Our homemade herb butter will delight you!
- Rührei mit ButterScrambled eggs with butter
- Kartoffelpüree mit ButterMashed potatoes with butter
- ButterkuchenButter cake
- 133 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is preparing breakfast in their kitchen.
- HannahWir brauchen noch Butter für die Brötchen.We still need butter for the bread rolls.
- MaximilianIch hole sie schnell aus dem Kühlschrank.I will quickly get it from the refrigerator.
- HannahIst die Butter schon weich?Is the butter soft already?
- MaximilianJa, sie ist perfekt.Yes, it is perfect.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “butter” translations and entries Butter, Anke, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Anke, Butter, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
