Keks
/keːks/masculine
The English word "cookie" can be translated into German as Keks or Plätzchen.
Meaning: small, flat baked good (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Keks | /keːks/ | masculine |
| Plätzchen | /plɛt͡s.çən/ | neuter |
Both words refer to small, flat baked goods. Keks is a general, versatile term for any cookie, while Plätzchen typically refers to smaller, more delicate or homemade cookies.
Which one should you use?
Keks is a general term for a cookie. In contrast, Plätzchen is often used specifically for smaller, more delicate or homemade cookies, particularly during the Christmas season.
How does it change in a sentence?
Keks is a masculine noun. Its plural form is Kekse. Plätzchen is a neuter noun that functions as a singular-looking plural, meaning it does not change its form when used in the plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/keːks/
When do people say it?
The term Plätzchen is most strongly associated with the tradition of baking Christmas cookies, known as Weihnachtsplätzchen.
Did you know?
- The modern use of Keks was popularized by the company Bahlsen when they rebranded their 'Leibniz-Cakes' as 'Leibniz-Keks' in 1911.
- While Plätzchen means 'little place', it has nothing to do with a physical location in this context.
- The term Plätzchen is so tied to Christmas that using it in July might sound strange to a native speaker.
Examples in context
- Wollt ihr einen Keks?Do any of you want a cookie?This sentence shows how to offer a Keks to a group.Tatoeba #6606628 by Espi, translation #7751713 by Sleepyscreen
- Nimm noch einen Keks.Have another cookie.This sentence shows how to tell someone to have another Keks.Tatoeba #7413775 by Yorwba, translation #2245541 by CK
- Möchtest du einen Keks?Do you want a cookie?This sentence shows how to ask someone if they want a Keks.Tatoeba #6606607 by Espi, translation #1230192 by CK
- Ich hätte gerne ein Plätzchen, bitte.I would like a cookie, please.
- Darf ich Ihnen einen Keks anbieten?May I offer you a cookie?
- Wir haben eine Auswahl an Plätzchen/Keksen.We have a variety of cookies available.
- Lass uns Kekse backen!Let's bake some cookies!
- Diese selbstgemachten Kekse sind lecker!These homemade cookies are delicious!
- Mama, darf ich einen Keks haben?Mom, can I have a cookie?
- 59 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are sharing a snack in the kitchen.
- HannahLukas, hast du noch einen Keks?Lukas, do you have another cookie?
- LukasJa, hier ist dein Keks.Yes, here is your cookie.
- HannahDanke, er sieht lecker aus.Thanks, it looks delicious.
- LukasGuten Appetit, Hannah!Enjoy your meal, Hannah!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cookie” translations and entries Keks, Plätzchen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Keks, Plätzchen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
