Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Knödel | /ˈknøːdl̩/ (standard) /ˈɡ̥nøːd̥l̩/ (Austria, Bavaria) |
masculine |
| Kloß | /kloːs/ | masculine |
In German, several terms describe different types of dumplings. Semmelknödel specifically refers to dumplings made from bread rolls, while Dampfnudel refers to soft and sweet dumplings.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word often depends on the region you are in. Knödel is the term most commonly used in Southern Germany and Austria, whereas Kloß is used more frequently in Northern and Central Germany.
Is it said differently in some regions?
There are several regional variations. Knöpfle is used in southwestern Germany, particularly in the state of Baden-Württemberg. In southern Germany, specifically in Bavaria and Swabia, you may also find the variation Schupfnudel. Knödel is common in regions like Franconia, Swabia and Bohemia.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Knödel is a masculine noun. Its plural form is also Knödel. The word Kloß is a masculine noun, and its plural form is Klöße.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈknøːdl̩/
Did you know?
- If you look at the etymology of Kloß, it is a doublet of the English word 'cloud'.
- In Bavarian culture, the Knödel is more than a side dish and is often served as a main course in hearty traditional soups.
- In some regions, Schupfnudeln are shaped like oblong fingers rather than balls, despite the word Nudel usually meaning 'noodle'.
Examples in context
- Im Nu war der tennisballgroße Knödel verschwunden.In the blink of an eye, the tennis-ball-sized dumpling had disappeared.This sentence shows how to describe the size of a Knödel.Tatoeba #3481768 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #328790 by fcbond
- Der Knödel schmeckt sehr gut.The dumpling tastes very good.
- Möchtest du noch einen Knödel?Would you like another dumpling?
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are eating lunch at a restaurant.
- SarahDieser Knödel ist wirklich lecker.This dumpling is really delicious.
- FelixJa, der Knödel ist perfekt.Yes, the dumpling is perfect.
- SarahSoll ich dir einen Knödel geben?Should I give you a dumpling?
- FelixNein danke, ich bin satt.No thanks, I am full.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dumpling” translations and entries Knödel, Kloß, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kloß, Knödel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
