Zimt
/t͡sɪmt/masculine
The English word cinnamon is Zimt in German. Wiktionary also lists Kaneel.
Meaning: spice (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Zimt | /t͡sɪmt/ | masculine |
| Kaneel | /kaˈneːl/ | masculine |
The term refers to the spice. As a noun, Zimt can also be used attributively to describe things that are cinnamon-flavored, such as Zimtgebäck (cinnamon pastries).
Which one should you use?
Zimt is the standard German word for cinnamon, whereas Kaneel is a regional variant.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Kaneel is a regional variant used primarily in certain parts of Germany or in contact with Dutch/Low German dialects.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Zimt is a masculine noun, so it takes the article der (der Zimt).
How do you pronounce it?
/tsɪmt/
Did you know?
- In Rotwelsch, a secret language used by beggars and thieves in the early modern period, the word Zimt was used as a slang term for 'gold'.
- In German culture, Zimtsterne (cinnamon stars) are an essential Christmas treat that often omit flour, relying on ground almonds instead.
Examples in context
- Könnte ich drei Zimtkringel haben?Could I have three cinnamon donuts?This sentence shows how to use Zimt when ordering.Tatoeba #3399756 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #53443 by CK
- Tom gibt oft Zimt in seinen Kaffee.Tom often puts cinnamon in his coffee.This sentence demonstrates using Zimt as an ingredient in a drink.Tatoeba #6813967 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6345309 by CK
- Zimt und Wurzelbier schmecken für mich ähnlich.Cinnamon and root beer taste similar to me.This sentence compares the taste of Zimt to another beverage.Tatoeba #13839951 by Waldelfe, translation #11420677 by DJ_Saidez
- Bitte reichen Sie mir etwas Zimt für meinen Kaffee.Please pass me some cinnamon for my coffee.
- Ich habe gestern einen leckeren Zimtkuchen probiert.Yesterday, I tasted a delicious cinnamon cake.
- ZimtstreuselCinnamon crumble
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are baking in the kitchen.
- HannahLukas, hast du den Zimt gefunden?Lukas, did you find the cinnamon?
- LukasJa, der Zimt steht im Schrank.Yes, the cinnamon is in the cupboard.
- HannahSuper, ich brauche ihn für den Kuchen.Great, I need it for the cake.
- LukasIch helfe dir gerne beim Backen.I am happy to help you with the baking.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cinnamon” translations and entries Zimt, Kaneel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kaneel, Zimt, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
