Gummibärchen
/ˈɡʊmiˌbɛːɐ̯çən/neuter
The English phrase gummy bear is translated into German as Gummibärchen. Wiktionary also lists Gummibär and Gummibärli.
Meaning: candy (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gummibärchen | /ˈɡʊmiˌbɛːɐ̯çən/ /-beːɐ̯-/ |
neuter |
| Gummibär | /ˈɡʊmiˌbɛːɐ̯/ /-beːɐ̯/ |
masculine |
| Gummibärli | /ˈɡ̊ʊmiˌb̥ɛːɐ̯li/ (Austria, Southern Germany, Switzerland) | neuter |
The term refers to the gummy bear candy.
What does it mean word for word?
Gummibärchen is a diminutive form, which literally means 'little gummy bear'.
Which one should you use?
While Gummibär is grammatically possible, Gummibärchen is the standard term used for the candy in German.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland, the term Gummibärli is sometimes used instead of Gummibärchen.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form Gummibärchen is used for both the singular (a gummy bear) and the plural (gummy bears).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡʊmiˌbɛːɐ̯çən/
Did you know?
- If you were to use the word Gummibär without the diminutive, a German speaker might think you are describing a bear actually made of rubber rather than a piece of candy.
- The word Gummi in Gummibärchen is a loanword from the English word 'gum', which originally referred to the resin of trees.
- Even though the bear is the subject, the word Gummibärchen is treated as a neuter noun because of its diminutive ending.
Examples in context
- Tom aß ein Gummibärchen.Tom ate a gummy bear.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use Gummibärchen in a simple sentence.Tatoeba #7754694 by Neisklar, translation #7752813 by Hybrid
- Kannst du bitte eine Tüte Gummibärchen vom Supermarkt mitbringen?Can you please bring a bag of gummy bears from the supermarket?
- Möchtest du ein Gummibärchen?Would you like a gummy bear?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are sitting on a park bench sharing snacks.
- SarahIch habe ein Gummibärchen für dich, Maximilian.I have a gummy bear for you, Maximilian.
- MaximilianOh, danke, Sarah! Das ist sehr lieb.Oh, thanks, Sarah! That is very kind.
- SarahSoll ich dir noch ein Gummibärchen geben?Should I give you another gummy bear?
- MaximilianJa, bitte, ich habe Hunger.Yes, please, I am hungry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gummy bear” translations and entries Gummibärchen, Gummibär, Gummibärli, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Gummibär, Gummibärchen, Gummibärli, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
