Käsespätzle
The English phrase 'mac and cheese' can be translated into German as Käsespätzle.
While Käsespätzle is a common culinary term, you may also encounter the English term Mac and Cheese used directly in modern German restaurants to specify the American version.
Which one should you use?
While 'mac and cheese' refers to a specific American-style dish with a liquid cheese sauce, Käsespätzle is a traditional German dish where cheese is often melted between layers of noodles and topped with fried onions. In modern German restaurants, the English term Mac and Cheese is often used directly to refer specifically to the American-style pasta dish.
Did you know?
- The word Spätzle is a diminutive form of the word Spatz, which means 'sparrow', because the small noodles resemble little birds.
- Eating Käsespätzle is often associated with Hüttengaudi, the festive and loud atmosphere found in alpine mountain huts.
- In German, the word 'Käse' (cheese) is a 'Stammwort' that appears in many food combinations, but 'Käsespätzle' is a specific cultural icon of the Swabian region.
Examples in context
- Ich hätte gerne Makkaroni mit Käse, bitte.I would like mac and cheese, please.
- Wie wär's mit Käse-Nudeln?How about mac and cheese?
- Sind die Käsespätzle sehr heiß?Is the Käsespätzle very hot?
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- MaximilianHast du Hunger, Sarah?Are you hungry, Sarah?
- SarahJa, ich möchte gerne Käsespätzle essen.Yes, I would like to eat mac and cheese.
- MaximilianDas klingt gut, Maximilian macht das.That sounds good, Maximilian will make it.
- SarahVielen Dank, dass du kochst!Thank you very much for cooking!
