Aschenputtel
/ˈaʃn̩pʊtl̩/neuter
In German, Cinderella is Aschenputtel. Wiktionary also lists Aschenbrödel.
Meaning: main character in this fairy tale (name)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Aschenputtel | /ˈaʃn̩pʊtl̩/ | neuter |
| Aschenbrödel | /ˈaʃn̩ˌbʁøːdl̩/ | neuter |
The term refers to the main character in the fairy tale.
What does it mean word for word?
The name Aschenputtel is a compound of Asche (ash) and Puttel (a diminutive or related to dirt/dust), which literally refers to someone covered in ash.
Which one should you use?
Aschenputtel is the specific name used for the character in the Brothers Grimm version of the fairy tale, distinguishing it from the English name Cinderella.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both Aschenbrödel and Aschenputtel are neuter nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaʃn̩pʊtl̩/
Did you know?
- The Grimm version of the story is notably darker than the English version, as the stepsisters cut off pieces of their own toes and heels to fit into the slipper.
- In some German traditions, the story of Aschenputtel is associated with the winter solstice and the returning light of the sun.
- In the Brothers Grimm version of the tale, Aschenputtel does not have a fairy godmother, but instead receives help from a magical hazel tree and white birds.
Examples in context
- Wie viele Stiefschwestern hatte Aschenputtel?How many stepsisters did Cinderella have?This sentence is useful for asking about the number of stepsisters Aschenputtel had.Tatoeba #12381237 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #12381065 by ddnktr
- Aschenputtel hatte zwei boshafte Stiefschwestern.Cinderella had two evil stepsisters.This sentence is useful for stating that Aschenputtel had two evil stepsisters.Tatoeba #743024 by Esperantostern, translation #744495 by danepo
- Die Stiefmutter grinste höhnisch über Aschenputtel.The stepmother sneered at Cinderella.This sentence is useful for describing how the stepmother sneered at Aschenputtel.Tatoeba #933610 by Espi, translation #32485 by Dejo
- Aschenputtel hatte durch ihre Güte und Freundlichkeit die Herzen aller Menschen berührt.Cinderella had touched the hearts of all the people with her kindness and friendliness.
- Kennst du die Aschenbrödel-Geschichte? Sie ist wirklich zauberhaft!Do you know the Cinderella story? It is truly enchanting!
- Hast du schon von Aschenputzel aus dem Märchen gehört?Have you heard of Cinderella from the fairy tale?
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their favorite fairy tales at a library.
- FelixMagst du die Geschichte von Aschenputtel?Do you like the story of Cinderella?
- SarahJa, Aschenputtel ist mein Lieblingsmärchen.Yes, Cinderella is my favorite fairy tale.
- FelixIch finde Aschenputtel sehr mutig.I think Cinderella is very brave.
- SarahDas stimmt, sie ist eine tolle Heldin.That's true, she is a great heroine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cinderella” translations and entries Aschenputtel, Aschenbrödel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
