Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Eiweiß | /ˈaɪ̯vaɪ̯s/ | neuter |
| Albumen | ||
| Eiklar | /ˈaɪˌklaːɐ̯/ | neuter |
| Eierklar | /ˈaɪɐˌklaːɐ̯/ | neuter, alternative form |
The term refers to the clear fluid part of an egg surrounding the yolk.
What does it mean word for word?
Eiweiß is a compound of Ei (egg) and Weiß (white). In a biological context, it also literally means 'protein'.
Which one should you use?
While Eiweiß is used in both culinary and biological contexts, Eiklar specifically refers to the culinary ingredient. In a kitchen, Eiweiß is more common when discussing the substance's properties, such as beating it into a foam, whereas Eiklar is used when referring to the physical component of the egg. Eierklar is an alternative spelling of Eiklar.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Albumen is the technical, scientific term for egg white used in biology or formal chemistry.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaɪ̯vaɪ̯s/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse the components of the egg. Remember that Eiweiß or Eiklar is the white, while Eigelb is the yolk.
Did you know?
- If a German speaks about Eiweiß in a gym context, they are talking about protein supplements, not actual eggs.
- While Eiweiß is the common term, a German nutritionist might use the word Protein to sound more scientific or modern.
- In old German texts, you will often find the form Eierweiß, which uses the plural 'eggs' instead of the singular 'egg'.
Examples in context
- Das Eiweiß mit dem Rest des Zuckers schlagen und dann den Likör nach und nach hinzufügen.Beat the egg white and the rest of the sugar, and then gradually add the liqueur.Tatoeba #7100530 by raggione, translation #9440288 by sundown
- Bitte geben Sie mir einen Becher Eiweiß.Please give me a cup of egg white.
- Kann ich bitte etwas Hühnereiweiß in meinen Smoothie geben?Can I please add some chicken egg white to my smoothie?
- Das Eiweiß muss steif geschlagen werden.The egg white must be beaten until stiff.
- Trenne das Eigelb vom Eiweiß.Separate the yolk from the egg white.
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are baking a cake in the kitchen.
- HannahBrauchst du das ganze Ei oder nur das Eiweiß?Do you need the whole egg or just the egg white?
- JulianNur das Eiweiß für den Biskuit, Hannah.Just the egg white for the sponge cake, Hannah.
- HannahAlles klar, ich trenne es jetzt.All right, I will separate it now.
- JulianDanke, das hilft mir sehr.Thanks, that helps me a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “egg white” translations and entries Eiweiß, Eiklar, Eierklar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Eiweiß, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
