Cupcake
/ˈkapkɛɪ̯k/
The English phrase "cupcake" is translated into German as Cupcake or Tassenkuchen.
Meaning: small cake (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cupcake | /ˈkapkɛɪ̯k/ | |
| Tassenkuchen | masculine |
Both terms refer to a small cake. Cupcake is the most common term used in modern German, particularly within bakeries and on social media.
What does it mean word for word?
The term Tassenkuchen is a literal translation of the English words, where Tasse means cup and Kuchen means cake.
Which one should you use?
Cupcake is an Anglicism and is much more frequently used than the literal German translation Tassenkuchen.
How does it change in a sentence?
Cupcake is a masculine noun. It uses the article der in the nominative case and den in the accusative case. The plural form is created by adding an -s to the end, resulting in Cupcakes. Tassenkuchen is also a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkapkɛɪ̯k/
Did you know?
- While Cupcake is common, German bakers often distinguish it from a Muffin by the addition of frosting and a decorative topper, which are essential for a true Cupcake.
- In German culture, the concept of a small individual cake is often linked to Kaffee und Kuchen, a traditional mid-afternoon social ritual.
- While Tassenkuchen is a literal translation, a German speaker might find it sounds more like a recipe for a cake baked in a cup rather than a decorative confection.
Examples in context
- Maisbrot lässt sich gut in Cupcake-Formen machen.Cornbread goes well in cupcake pans.This sentence demonstrates how to use Cupcake when referring to baking pans.Tatoeba #830750 by Esperantostern, translation #830749 by papabear
- Ich habe gestern einen leckeren Cupcake gegessenI had a delicious cupcake yesterday
- Die Bäckerei hat köstliche Törtchen zur AuswahlThe bakery has delicious cupcakes to choose from
- Lass uns morgen Cupcakes backenLet's bake cupcakes tomorrow
- Ich habe einen saftigen Schokoladenmuffin gekauftI bought a moist chocolate cupcake
- In der Bäckerei habe ich süße Törtchen gefunden.I found sweet cupcakes at the bakery.
- Heute bringe ich köstliche Cupcakes zur Party mit.Today, I'm bringing delicious cupcakes to the party.
- Wir haben gestern unsere eigenen Muffins gebacken.We baked our own cupcakes yesterday.
- Ich möchte einen Cupcake mit Schokolade.I want a chocolate cupcake.
- Der Cupcake schmeckt sehr süß.The cupcake tastes very sweet.
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are at a small bakery.
- LukasWelchen Cupcake möchtest du, Laura?Which cupcake would you like, Laura?
- LauraIch nehme den Cupcake mit Erdbeeren.I'll take the strawberry cupcake.
- LukasGute Wahl, der sieht lecker aus.Good choice, that looks delicious.
- LauraDanke, Lukas, ich freue mich darauf.Thanks, Lukas, I am looking forward to it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cupcake” translations and entries Cupcake, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
