Kaugummi
/ˈkaʊ̯ˌɡʊmi/masculine
Chewing gum in German is Kaugummi.
Kaugummi refers to a flavoured preparation for chewing. In German, it can be used as an uncountable noun (referring to the substance) or a countable noun (referring to individual pieces).
Meaning: flavoured preparation for chewing (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of kauen (to chew) and Gummi (gum).
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Kaugummi is Kaugummis. Because Kaugummi is a masculine noun, it takes the accusative ending -en when used as a direct object, such as in einen Kaugummi.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkaʊ̯ˌɡʊmi/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, Gummi is used as a colloquial slang term for a condom in German, which can lead to significant misunderstandings if used incorrectly.
- The word Gummi is a loanword from the English word 'gum', which originally referred to the resin of trees.
- In German, the word Gummi is used for a pencil eraser, whereas in British English, 'rubber' is used and in American English, 'eraser' is used.
Examples in context
- Hast du etwas Kaugummi?Have you got any chewing gum?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has any Kaugummi.Tatoeba #12573985 by Augustus, translation #13585229 by sundown
- Sie kaut Kaugummi, oder?She's chewing gum, isn't she?This sentence is useful for describing someone who is chewing Kaugummi.Tatoeba #8970102 by Yorwba, translation #8527141 by CH
- Tom verschluckte seinen Kaugummi.Tom swallowed his chewing gum.This sentence is useful for describing someone who swallowed their Kaugummi.Tatoeba #10039799 by Melang, translation #4134445 by CK
- Wo kann ich Zahnfleischpflegekaugummi kaufen?Where can I buy gum for gum care?
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Maximilian are walking through a shopping mall.
- MaximilianHannah, hast du vielleicht einen Kaugummi?Hannah, do you perhaps have a piece of chewing gum?
- HannahNein, Maximilian, ich habe leider keinen dabei.No, Maximilian, unfortunately I don't have any with me.
- MaximilianSchade, ich brauche gerade dringend einen.Too bad, I urgently need one right now.
- HannahWir können ja gleich am Kiosk einen kaufen.We can just buy one at the kiosk in a moment.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chewing gum” translations and entries Kaugummi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kaugummi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
