Kuchen
/ˈkuːxən/masculine
The English word "cake" is translated into German as Kuchen or Torte.
Meaning: type of sweet dessert (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kuchen | /ˈkuːxən/ | masculine |
| Torte | /ˈtɔrtə/ (Standard) /ˈtɔrtɛ/ (Austria, Southern Germany, Switzerland) |
feminine |
You use Kuchen for general sponge cakes, fruit cakes or simple baked goods. You use Torte specifically for more elaborate, multi-layered cakes that typically feature cream, frosting or heavy fillings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Rhineland, Kuchen is commonly used when discussing larger cakes. In Berlin and parts of Brandenburg, locals may refer to a specific type of sweet yeast dough pastry filled with fruits, custard or cream as Plunder.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Torte is a feminine noun, so it takes the feminine articles die, der, der or der depending on its grammatical case.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkuːxən/
Did you know?
- The word Kuchen is a linguistic 'doublet' of the French word 'quiche'. They both share the same ancestral root, even though they sound completely different today.
- In Germany, the custom of Kaffee und Kuchen is a traditional afternoon social ritual similar to British afternoon tea.
- In some German regions, a Kuchen might be served as a savory meal rather than a dessert.
Examples in context
- Ich mag auch Kuchen.I also like cake.This sentence shows how to express a preference for Kuchen.Tatoeba #1341270 by Zaghawa, translation #321982 by CK
- Nimm dir vom Kuchen!Help yourself to a piece of cake.This sentence is useful for inviting someone to take some Kuchen.Tatoeba #2938739 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2642210 by CK
- Danke für den Kuchen!Thanks for the cake.This sentence is a way to express gratitude for receiving Kuchen.Tatoeba #1902289 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1898227 by CK
- 549 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are sitting in the kitchen after an afternoon snack.
- LauraDer Kuchen ist wirklich lecker, Felix.The cake is really delicious, Felix.
- FelixDanke, Laura! Ich habe ihn selbst gebacken.Thanks, Laura! I baked it myself.
- LauraDarf ich noch ein Stück Kuchen haben?May I have another piece of cake?
- FelixNatürlich, nimm dir ruhig noch etwas.Of course, please help yourself to some more.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cake” translations and entries Kuchen, Torte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kuchen, Torte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
