Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Donut | /ˈdɔʊ̯nat/ /ˈdoːnat/ |
masculine |
| Krapfen (ellipsoidal) | feminine | |
| Berliner | /bɛʁˈliːnɐ/ | masculine |
| Pfannkuchen | /ˈ(p)fanˌkuːxən/ /ˈ(p)faŋ-/ |
masculine |
German uses several different words for a deep-fried piece of dough or batter, depending on the specific type of doughnut being described.
Which one should you use?
The term Donut refers specifically to the American-style ring-shaped doughnut. In contrast, the terms Berliner, Krapfen and Pfannkuchen often refer to filled varieties. Berliner specifically describes traditional German doughnuts made of sweet yeast dough that are typically filled with fruit jam.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In much of Germany, a filled, yeast-dough doughnut is called a Berliner. In Southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the term Krapfen is primarily used. In Bavaria and Austria, Kräpfla is an alternative term used for doughnuts. In parts of Northern and Eastern Germany, the word Pfannkuchen is used for a filled doughnut.
How does it change in a sentence?
Donut is a masculine noun, Berliner is a masculine noun, Pfannkuchen is a masculine noun and Krapfen is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdɔʊ̯nat/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful when using Pfannkuchen, as it means 'pancake' in most of Germany and only means 'doughnut' in specific regional contexts.
Did you know?
- The word Krapfen shares an unexpected linguistic ancestor with the English word 'grape'.
Examples in context
- Nimm dir einen Berliner!Have a doughnut.This sentence shows how to offer someone a Berliner.Tatoeba #8054951 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2883528 by CM
- Ich esse einen Berliner.I am eating a doughnut.This sentence demonstrates the act of eating a Berliner.Tatoeba #8809863 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1665885 by Amastan
- Nimm dir gerne einen Donut!Help yourself to a doughnut.This sentence is a way to tell someone to help themselves to a Donut.Tatoeba #13386824 by Vortarulo, translation #10718890 by sundown
- Ich möchte bitte einen Berliner kaufen.I would like to buy a doughnut, please.
- Könnten Sie mir einen Berliner empfehlen?Could you recommend a doughnut, please?
- Die Berliner hier sind besonders lecker.The doughnuts here are particularly delicious.
- Ich hätte gerne einen Donut, bitte.I would like a doughnut, please.
- Weißt du, wo ich einen leckeren Krapfen finden kann?Do you know where I can find a tasty doughnut?
- Lass uns einen Krapfen zum Kaffee genießen.Let's enjoy a doughnut with our coffee.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are at a small cafe.
- LauraMaximilian, möchtest du einen Donut?Maximilian, would you like a doughnut?
- MaximilianJa, gerne! Er sieht lecker aus.Yes, please! It looks delicious.
- LauraIch nehme auch einen Donut.I will take a doughnut too.
- MaximilianSuper, dann bestellen wir jetzt.Great, let's order now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “doughnut” translations and entries Donut, Berliner, Pfannkuchen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Berliner, Donut, Krapfen, Pfannkuchen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
