Süße
/ˈzyːsə/
In German, the word for cutie is Süße.
The term is used affectionately for both people and animals, similar to the English 'cutie'.
Meaning: cute person or animal (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the adjective süß (sweet) with a feminine noun ending, literally meaning 'sweet one'.
Which one should you use?
While süß is the adjective meaning 'cute', Süße is the noun meaning 'cutie'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes based on the gender of the person or animal you are describing: use Süßer to refer to a cute man or a male animal, and use Süßes to refer to a cute child or a neuter animal.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈzyːsə/
Did you know?
- In German, using Süße or Süßer as a direct address to a stranger, such as a shopkeeper, can be seen as condescending or overly familiar rather than friendly.
- German has a specific word Süßigkeiten for sweets and candies, which is the plural form of the same root used in Süße.
- The word Süße descends from the Old High German word suozī.
Examples in context
- Sie ist eine Süße.She's a cutie.This sentence demonstrates how to use Süße to describe a female.Tatoeba #1641025 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1641021 by Spamster
- Maria ist so eine Süße!Mary is such a cutie!This sentence shows how to use Süße to express enthusiasm about someone being a cutie.Tatoeba #13601637 by Waldelfe, translation #13281929 by EugeneGS
- Schatz, ich vermisse dich so sehr.Sweetie, I miss you so much.
- Hey Süße, hast du Lust, heute Abend ins Kino zu gehen?Hey cutie, do you feel like going to the movies tonight?
- Du bist so lieb, mein kleiner Knuddelbär.You're so sweet, my little cuddly teddy bear.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Julia are looking at a puppy.
- JulianSchau mal, was für eine Süße!Look, what a cutie!
- JuliaJa, sie ist wirklich goldig.Yes, she is really darling.
- JulianDarf ich sie kurz halten?Can I hold her for a moment?
- JuliaKlar, nimm die kleine Süße.Sure, take the little cutie.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Süße, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Süße, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
