Krümel
/ˈkʁyːməl/
The English phrase crumbs is translated into German as Krümel.
If you are specifically referring to bread crumbs, you can use the terms Semmelbrösel or Brotkrumen. For a tiny crumb, you can use the diminutive form Krümelchen.
Which one should you use?
You may also encounter Brösel and Krume, both of which are plural forms used to denote crumbs. To refer to a single crumb, you can use ein Krümel, ein Brösel or eine Krume.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Krümel is used for both the singular (a crumb) and the plural (crumbs) forms.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkʁyːməl/
Did you know?
- The German word Krümel was originally a diminutive form of Krume, meaning it literally started as a word for a 'little crumb'.
- While Krümel is the general term, Semmelbrösel specifically refers to crumbs from a Semmel, a type of crusty roll common in Southern Germany and Austria.
- In some parts of Germany, you might hear Brosame instead of Krümel to refer to crumbs, as it is a regional Upper German variant.
Examples in context
- In der Dose waren nur noch Krümel.There were only crumbs left in the box.This sentence shows how to describe crumbs being left inside a container.Tatoeba #10098396 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10098113 by DJ_Saidez
- Ich frühstücke ungern im Bett, weil die Krümel so piken.I don't like eating breakfast in bed, because the crumbs prick me.This sentence uses the word to describe the sensation of crumbs on a surface.Tatoeba #1193199 by Tlustulimu, translation #5354039 by joshodude_1308
- „Ich habe den Keks nicht gegessen“, entgegnete Tom mit Krümeln am Mund."I didn't eat the cookie," replied Tom with crumbs on his lips.This sentence illustrates how to describe having crumbs on one's mouth.Tatoeba #6140208 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6097886 by Hybrid
- Bitte fegen Sie die Krümel vom Tisch.Please sweep the crumbs off the table.
- Nach dem Kuchenessen bleiben immer viele Krümel übrig.After eating cake, there are always a lot of crumbs left.
- Man sollte die Krümel nicht unter den Teppich kehren.One should not sweep the crumbs under the carpet.
- Pass auf, dass du keine Brösel auf den Boden wirfst.Be careful not to drop any crumbs on the floor.
- Kannst du bitte die Brösel vom Sofa entfernen?Can you please remove the crumbs from the couch?
- Die Krumen auf dem Teller solltest du wegwischen.You should wipe away the crumbs on the plate.
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are cleaning the kitchen after a snack.
- HannahEs liegen überall Krümel auf dem Tisch.There are crumbs all over the table.
- LukasDas tut mir leid, ich helfe beim Aufwischen.I am sorry, I will help wipe them up.
- HannahDanke, Lukas, dann sind die Krümel schnell weg.Thanks, Lukas, then the crumbs will be gone quickly.
- LukasGerne, ich nehme einfach einen feuchten Lappen.You're welcome, I'll just grab a damp cloth.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Krümel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Krümel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
