Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gelee | /ʒeˈleː/ | neuter |
| Sulz | /zʊl(t)s/ | |
| Wackelpudding | /ˈvakl̩pʊdɪŋ/ | masculine |
| Wackelpeter | /ˈvakl̩ˌpeːtɐ/ | masculine |
| Götterspeise | /ˈɡœtɐˌʃpaɪ̯zə/ | feminine |
The terms for jelly in German vary depending on whether you are describing a sweet fruit dessert, a savory meat stock or using child-friendly language.
What does it mean word for word?
The term Wackelpudding is a compound word consisting of wackeln, which means to wobble and Pudding, which means pudding.
Which one should you use?
Gelee is the standard term used in culinary contexts or on product packaging. Wackelpudding is more common in everyday domestic speech. Wackelpeter is a colloquial term used specifically with children. While the English word 'jelly' often refers to a sweet dessert, the German word Sulz typically refers to a savory aspic or jelly made from meat stock. Götterspeise is a more dramatic or old-fashioned way to refer to jelly.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Gelee is used in formal or gourmet settings. Wackelpeter is an informal, child-friendly term. Götterspeise is an old-fashioned or dramatic term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austrian dialects, Holundersulz refers specifically to a type of jelly made from elderberry.
How does it change in a sentence?
Gelee is a neuter noun. Wackelpudding and Wackelpeter are masculine nouns. Götterspeise is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒeˈleː/
When do people say it?
The term Götterspeise literally means 'food of the gods'.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Es ist Wackelpeter, was er mag.What he likes is jelly.This sentence is useful for showing how to use the child-friendly term Wackelpeter.Tatoeba #724938 by Esperantostern, translation #387449 by CK
- Das Gelee wird, wenn es sich abkühlt, fest.The jelly will set as it cools.This sentence shows how to describe the setting process of Gelee.Tatoeba #11753028 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11750726 by sundown
- Es gibt einfachere Sachen im Leben als einen guten Mann zu finden. Wackelpudding an einen Baum zu nageln zum Beispiel.There are simpler things in life than finding a good husband. Nailing jelly to a tree, for example.This sentence uses the everyday term Wackelpudding in a humorous context.Tatoeba #2792221 by Esperantostern, translation #2792470 by raggione
- Kann ich bitte eine Scheibe Brot mit Marmelade haben?Can I please have a slice of bread with jelly?
- Ich habe heute einen leckeren Fruchtaufstrich probiert.I tried a delicious fruit spread today.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are deciding on a dessert for a party.
- SarahSollen wir ein Gelee als Nachtisch machen?Should we make a jelly for dessert?
- MaximilianJa, das ist eine gute Idee, Sarah.Yes, that is a good idea, Sarah.
- SarahWelche Farbe soll das Gelee haben?What color should the jelly be?
- MaximilianIch glaube, Rot schmeckt am besten, Maximilian.I think red tastes the best, Maximilian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jelly” translations and entries Gelee, Sulz, Wackelpudding, Wackelpeter, Götterspeise, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Gelee, Sulz, Wackelpudding, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
