Marmelade
/ˌmarməˈlaːdə/
The English phrase marmalade is translated into German as Marmelade.
Marmelade refers to marmalade. To specify a particular flavor, German often creates a compound noun by joining the fruit name to the word, such as Erdbeermarmelade for strawberry marmalade.
Which one should you use?
While Marmelade is the common everyday word, Konfitüre is the more formal or technical term used in food labeling and culinary contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria and Austria, the term Marillenmarmelade specifically refers to apricot marmalade.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Marmelade is feminine and takes the definite article die. The plural form of Marmelade is Marmeladen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌmarməˈlaːdə/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often forget to capitalize the word, but in German, all nouns including Marmelade must be capitalized.
Did you know?
- The German word Marmelade actually descends from the Portuguese word marmelada, which originally referred to a preserve made specifically from quince.
- While Konfitüre is the formal term, you will often see it on official food labels because German law has historically had strict definitions for what can be called Marmelade.
- In Germany, Marmelade is used as a generic term for almost any fruit jam, including strawberry or raspberry, whereas English distinguishes between 'jam' and 'marmalade'.
Examples in context
- Meine Damen und Herren, wir servieren heute ein köstliches Frühstück mit verschiedenen Sorten Konfitüre.Ladies and gentlemen, today we are serving a delightful breakfast with various types of marmalade.
- Kannst du mir bitte etwas Marmelade auf mein Brötchen geben?Can you please put some marmalade on my bread roll?
- In Wien gibt es eine besondere Spezialität – Marillenmarmelade. Sie sollten sie unbedingt probieren!In Vienna, there is a special delicacy – apricot marmalade. You should definitely try it!
- Gibt es hier eine Möglichkeit, Marmelade selbst herzustellen?Is there a way to make marmalade yourself here?
- Die Marmelade schmeckt sehr süß.The marmalade tastes very sweet.
- Hast du noch etwas Marmelade für uns?Do you have some more marmalade for us?
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are eating breakfast together at home.
- LauraJulian, hast du noch etwas Marmelade?Julian, do you have some more marmalade?
- JulianJa, die Marmelade steht im Kühlschrank.Yes, the marmalade is in the refrigerator.
- LauraDanke, ich nehme die Erdbeermarmelade.Thanks, I'll take the strawberry marmalade.
- JulianGerne, lass sie dir schmecken.You're welcome, enjoy it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Marmelade, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Marmelade, CC BY-SA 4.0.
