Kakao
/kaˈkaʊ̯/masculine
The English word cacao translates to German as Kakao.
In German, Kakao is used for both the raw cacao plant/beans and the prepared beverage (cocoa). If you wish to refer specifically to the prepared beverage, you can use Kakaogetränk.
Meaning: Theobroma cacao seed (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Kakao is Kakaos.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈkaʊ̯/
Did you know?
- The German word Kakao shares its linguistic roots with the Nahuatl word cacahuatl, meaning 'cacao bean'.
- In Germany, Kakao is often associated with the 'winter drink' culture, frequently served with a dollop of Schlagsahne (whipped cream) on top.
- The German word Kakao follows a spelling shift where the 'c' from the original Spanish 'cacao' was replaced by 'k' to better reflect the hard consonant sound in German phonology.
Examples in context
- Kakaobäume gedeihen in Regenwäldern.Cacao trees thrive in rainforests.This sentence is useful for seeing Kakao used in the context of cacao trees.Tatoeba #6586988 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5354810 by Hybrid
- Weltführer in der Kakaoproduktion sind die Elfenbeinküste, Ghana und Indonesien.The world's leading cacao producers are Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Indonesia.This sentence shows Kakao used when discussing leading cacao producers.Tatoeba #6161293 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5354811 by Hybrid
- Der Kakaobaum lässt sich nur unter bestimmten klimatischen Bedingungen kultivieren. Früchte trägt er nur innerhalb des Gürtels von 20° südlicher bis 20° nördlicher Breite, zudem braucht er guten Boden und ausreichend Wasser.The cacao tree can be cultivated only in certain climates. It bears fruit only within the region 20° either side of the equator. Additionally, it needs good soil and sufficient water.This sentence demonstrates the use of Kakao when describing the cultivation of the cacao tree.Tatoeba #7458975 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10153510 by sundown
- Kommst du heute Abend vorbei? Ich habe leckere Plätzchen und selbstgemachten Kakao.Are you coming over tonight? I have delicious cookies and homemade cacao.
Example conversation
Hannah and Maximilian are looking at a chocolate ingredients list.
- HannahWoraus besteht diese Schokolade?What is this chocolate made of?
- MaximilianSie enthält viel Kakao und Zucker.It contains a lot of cacao and sugar.
- HannahIst der Kakao aus fairem Handel?Is the cacao from fair trade?
- MaximilianJa, das steht hier auf der Packung.Yes, it says so here on the package.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cacao” translations and entries Kakao, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kakao, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
