Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Süßigkeit | /ˈzyːsɪçˌkaɪ̯t/ | feminine |
| Konfekt | /kɔnˈfɛkt/ | neuter |
| Bonbon | /bɔ̃ˈbɔ̃/ /ˈbɔm.bɔŋ/ |
masculine, neuter |
The words used to describe candy depend on whether you are referring to a general category of sweet treats, a specific piece of hard candy or high-quality confectionery.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Süßigkeit is a compound of süß (sweet) and the suffix -igkeit, which turns an adjective into an abstract noun. It literally means 'sweetness' or 'sweet thing'.
Which one should you use?
Süßigkeit is a general term for any sweet treat. In contrast, Bonbon refers specifically to hard-boiled candies or wrapped sweets. While Bonbon is often used for individual pieces, Süßigkeit is most commonly used in its plural form to refer to candy as a general category.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to 'candy' as a general category of food, the plural form Süßigkeiten is the most natural choice, similar to how English uses the uncountable 'candy'. The plural of Bonbon is Bonbons.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈzyːsɪçˌkaɪ̯t/
Did you know?
- In Germany, candy is often associated with the Schultüte, a large cone filled with Süßigkeiten given to children on their first day of school.
- The word Bonbon is a loanword from French and is formed by doubling the word bon, which means 'good'.
- In some German regions, people use the word Naschi as a slang term for snacking on Süßigkeiten.
Examples in context
- Ich gab ihr Süßigkeiten.I gave her some candy.This sentence shows how to use the plural form of Süßigkeit to mean 'some candy'.Tatoeba #3367408 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2592888 by WestofEden
- Tom hat Bonbons gekauft.Tom bought some candy.This sentence demonstrates the plural form of Bonbon.Tatoeba #8592510 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8588606 by CK
- Auch ich mag Süßigkeiten.I, too, like candy.This sentence shows the use of the plural form Süßigkeiten to express a general preference for candy.Tatoeba #2812905 by brauchinet, translation #2745133 by CK
- Können Sie mir ein paar Süßigkeiten empfehlen?Can you recommend me some candies?
- Entschuldigung, haben Sie Bonbons?Excuse me, do you have any hard candies?
- Ich nasche gerne GummibärchenI enjoy snacking on gummy bears.
- Kannst du mir etwas Lakritz bringen?Can you bring me some licorice?
- Hast du ein bisschen Naschwerk?Do you have some candy?
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are at a store.
- LauraWelche Süßigkeit möchtest du?Which piece of candy would you like?
- MaximilianIch möchte die rote Süßigkeit hier.I want this red piece of candy here.
- LauraDie ist sehr süß.That one is very sweet.
- MaximilianDas ist genau mein Geschmack.That is exactly my taste.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “candy” translations and entries Süßigkeit, Konfekt, Bonbon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bonbon, Konfekt, Süßigkeit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
