Marmelade
/ˌmarməˈlaːdə/feminine
In German, the word for jam is Marmelade. Wiktionary also lists Konfitüre.
Meaning: sweet mixture of fruit boiled with sugar (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Marmelade | /ˌmarməˈlaːdə/ | feminine |
| Konfitüre | feminine |
The term refers to a sweet mixture of fruit boiled with sugar. You can use it in compound words to specify the fruit, such as Himbeermarmelade for raspberry jam or Aprikosenkonfitüre for apricot jam.
Which one should you use?
Marmelade is the common word used in conversation, whereas Konfitüre is the more formal or technical term used in culinary contexts or on product packaging.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of southern Germany and Austria, the word Powidl is used to describe plum jam.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌmarməˈlaːdə/
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'marmalade' specifically for citrus-based preserves, a German speaker uses Marmelade for almost any fruit jam.
- The word Marmelade actually shares a root with the Portuguese word for 'quince', which was the original fruit used to make it.
- German food labeling laws often distinguish between Konfitüre and Marmelade based on the exact percentage of fruit used in the recipe.
Examples in context
- Ich ziehe Marmelade vor.I prefer jam.This sentence shows how to express a preference for Marmelade.Tatoeba #4961972 by Zaghawa, translation #8782919 by sundown
- Tom macht gerade Marmelade.Tom is making jam.This sentence describes the action of making Marmelade.Tatoeba #6536311 by brauchinet, translation #6532373 by CK
- Kannst du Marmelade machen?Do you know how to make jam?This sentence asks about the ability to make Marmelade.Tatoeba #8653277 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8647405 by AlanF_US
- An der Bäckerei-Theke habe ich heute eine leckere Erdbeerkonfitüre gekauft.At the bakery counter, I bought some delicious strawberry jam today.
- Kannst du mir bitte etwas Himbeergelee geben?Can you please pass me some raspberry jam?
- Hast du noch Erdbeer-Konfitüre für meine Stulle übrig?Do you have any strawberry jam left for my sandwich?
- 61 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are having breakfast in the kitchen.
- LukasMöchtest du Erdbeermarmelade auf dein Brot?Would you like strawberry jam on your bread?
- LauraJa, bitte, die Marmelade schmeckt sehr gut.Yes, please, the jam tastes very good.
- LukasSoll ich dir noch mehr Marmelade geben?Should I give you more jam?
- LauraNein danke, das ist genug für heute.No thanks, that is enough for today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jam” translations and entries Marmelade, Konfitüre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Konfitüre, Marmelade, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
