Schnuller
/ˈʃnʊlɐ/
The English word 'dummy' can be translated into German as Schnuller.
In German, Schnuller refers specifically to a baby's pacifier. If you are using the English sense of 'dummy' to describe a foolish person, you should use different terms such as Depp or Trottel.
Meaning: a deliberately nonfunctional placeholder (noun)
Which one should you use?
While the English word 'dummy' can mean a non-functional placeholder, a baby's pacifier or a foolish person, the German word Schnuller is used exclusively for the baby's pacifier.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine and uses the definite article der. The plural form remains the same as the singular, so Schnuller can mean both 'dummy' and 'dummies'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃnʊlɐ/
Did you know?
- In Germany, some parents avoid the word Schnuller and use the term Beruhigungssauger, which literally translates to 'calming sucker'.
- In a technical or mock-up context, a non-functional 'dummy' is often called a Dummy (pronounced like the English word) rather than using a German equivalent.
- The word Schnuller comes from the verb schnullen, which describes the rhythmic, repetitive motion of a baby sucking on something.
Examples in context
- Er hat seinen Schnuller fallen lassen.He's dropped his dummy.This sentence shows how to use Schnuller when referring to a baby dropping their pacifier.Tatoeba #1990896 by Zaghawa, translation #8808890 by sundown
- Es tut mir leid, aber ich kann nicht mit einem Dummkopf wie Ihnen zusammenarbeiten.I'm sorry, but I cannot work with a dummy like you.
- Du hast den Schlüssel schon wieder vergessen? Bist du ein Depp oder was?You forgot the key again? Are you a dummy or something?
- Hast du wirklich gedacht, dass ich das glaube? Du bist ein echter Trottel!Did you really think I would believe that? You're a real dummy!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are packing a diaper bag.
- LukasHast du den Schnuller eingepackt?Did you pack the dummy?
- SarahNein, er liegt noch im Wohnzimmer.No, it is still in the living room.
- LukasIch hole den Schnuller schnell.I will go get the dummy quickly.
- SarahDanke, Lukas!Thanks, Lukas!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Schnuller, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schnuller, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
