Schnuckelchen
The English phrase "cutie pie" is translated into German as Schnuckelchen.
Schnuckelchen is used to refer to a cute person.
Meaning: cute person (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a diminutive of Schnucke, which is a colloquial term for a darling or sweetheart.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This term is highly informal and is used as a term of endearment for children, romantic partners or pets.
Did you know?
- German has a vast array of animal-based terms of endearment. Instead of 'pie', Germans often use Mäuschen meaning 'little mouse' or Häschen meaning 'little bunny' to express the same feeling.
- Because it ends in -chen, Schnuckelchen is always neuter in gender, even if the person being called a 'cutie pie' is a man or a woman.
- The term Schnuckelchen is often used with a specific high-pitched 'baby talk' voice known as Kindersprache to maximize the cuteness effect.
Examples in context
- Hey Süße(r), willst du mit mir zum Abendessen gehen?Hey cutie, do you want to go out to dinner with me?
- Du siehst heute wieder hübsch/schön aus, meine(r) Kleine(r)!You look pretty/handsome again today, my little one!
- Du bist ein echtes Schnuckelchen.You are a real cutie pie.
- Das Baby ist ein kleines Schnuckelchen.The baby is a little cutie pie.
- Was für ein Schnuckelchen!What a cutie pie!
Example conversation
A couple is looking at photos of a puppy in a magazine.
- MaximilianSchau dir diesen Hund an, ein totales Schnuckelchen!Look at this dog, a total cutie pie!
- SarahJa, er ist wirklich süß, Maximilian.Yes, he is really cute, Maximilian.
- MaximilianSollten wir uns einen solchen Hund kaufen?Should we buy such a dog?
- SarahVielleicht, aber wir müssen erst eine Wohnung finden.Maybe, but we have to find an apartment first.
