Lebkuchen
[ˈleːpˌkuːxn̩]masculine
German gingerbread is called Lebkuchen. Wiktionary also lists Pfefferkuchen and Ingwerbrot.
Meaning: type of cake (verb)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Lebkuchen | [ˈleːpˌkuːxn̩] (narrow) | masculine |
| Pfefferkuchen | [ˈpfɛfɐkuːxn̩] (narrow) | masculine |
| Ingwerbrot | neuter | |
| Gewürzkuchen | masculine | |
| Honigkuchen | /ˈhoːnɪçˌkuːxən/ | masculine |
| Lebzelten | masculine |
When you want to specifically mention a gingerbread house, use the compound word Lebkuchenhaus.
Which one should you use?
Lebkuchen is the most common general term for gingerbread. Pfefferkuchen is often used to refer specifically to a version made with pepper or a highly spiced dough.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Nürnberger Lebkuchen refers to gingerbread cookies that originate from the city of Nuremberg. Aachener Printen is a unique gingerbread from the city of Aachen.
How does it change in a sentence?
Lebkuchen, Pfefferkuchen, Gewürzkuchen, Honigkuchen and Lebzelten are all masculine nouns. Ingwerbrot is a neuter noun.
When do people say it?
Lebkuchen is a traditional German Christmas treat, often sold at seasonal Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte).
Did you know?
- The word Lebkuchen may be related to the Latin word libum, which referred to a type of ritual flat bread used in offerings.
- Historically, Lebkuchen was often associated with monasteries, as monks were among the first to bake these spiced cakes for pilgrims.
- Traditional Lebkuchen recipes often use almond flour or hazelnuts instead of wheat flour, which gives the cake a denser and richer consistency.
Examples in context
- Maria hat ein Honigkuchenhaus gemacht.Mary made a gingerbread house.This sentence shows how to use the word Honigkuchen in the context of a gingerbread house.Tatoeba #8264057 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7697573 by Hybrid
- Thorn ist für seinen Lebkuchen weltbekannt.Toruń is famous for its gingerbread.This sentence uses Lebkuchen to describe something a city is famous for.Tatoeba #11154877 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8344438 by Hybrid
- Bitte, Mama! Ich möchte ein Lebkucheneichhörnchen!Please mom, I want a gingerbread squirrel!This sentence uses Lebkuchen to describe a gingerbread-shaped animal.Tatoeba #3554690 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3554562 by Hybrid
- Die Bäckerei verkauft köstliche Lebkuchen während der Weihnachtszeit.The bakery sells delicious gingerbread during the Christmas season.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are visiting a Christmas market.
- SarahSchau mal, der Lebkuchen sieht so lecker aus!Look, the gingerbread looks so delicious!
- FelixJa, ich möchte unbedingt ein Stück probieren.Yes, I really want to try a piece.
- SarahSoll ich uns zwei Lebkuchen kaufen?Should I buy two gingerbreads for us?
- FelixDas wäre toll, danke Sarah!That would be great, thanks Sarah!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gingerbread” translations and entries Lebkuchen, Pfefferkuchen, Honigkuchen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Lebkuchen, Pfefferkuchen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
