Pfannkuchen
/ˈ(p)fanˌkuːxən/
The German word for pancakes is Pfannkuchen.
Pfannkuchen is the most common term used in standard German for flat, round cakes made from a batter and fried in a pan.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Pfannkuchen is a compound of Pfanne (pan) and Kuchen (cake), literally meaning "pan cakes".
Which one should you use?
A German Pfannkuchen is typically thinner and more similar to a crepe than the thick, American-style pancakes.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Eastern Germany, specifically in Saxony and Thuringia, the term Plinsen is used to refer to thin, crepe-like pancakes.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Pfannkuchen is used for both the singular and plural forms.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈ(p)fanˌkuːxən/
When do people say it?
In Austria, a popular pancake dish is Kaiserschmarrn, which consists of chopped pancake dough served with powdered sugar and often accompanied by fruit compote.
Did you know?
- In Berlin, if you ask for a Pfannkuchen, you might be handed a deep-fried doughnut topped with sugar instead of a batter cake.
- The traditional Kaiserschmarrn is named after Emperor Franz Joseph I, who supposedly loved the dish after a cooking mistake led to the pancake being shredded.
- While Pfannkuchen is the general term, some regions use the word Eierkuchen because eggs were historically the most precious ingredient in the batter.
Examples in context
- Hast du Pfannkuchen gegessen?Did you have pancakes?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has eaten Pfannkuchen.Tatoeba #12566594 by Waldelfe, translation #12302694 by CK
- Diese Pfannkuchen sind köstlich.These pancakes are delicious.This sentence is useful for describing Pfannkuchen as delicious.Tatoeba #10089585 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10089382 by CK
- Diese Pfannkuchen schmecken gut.These pancakes taste good.This sentence is useful for saying that Pfannkuchen taste good.Tatoeba #10089586 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10089381 by CK
- Ich hätte gern einen Pfannkuchen, bitte.I would like a pancake, please.
- Hast du Lust auf Eierkuchen?Do you feel like having pancakes?
- In Österreich isst man gerne Palatschinken.In Austria, people love to eat Palatschinken.
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are deciding what to eat for breakfast.
- JulianWollen wir heute Pfannkuchen machen?Do we want to make pancakes today?
- LauraJa, das klingt super, Julian!Yes, that sounds great, Julian!
- JulianHaben wir noch genug Mehl für die Pfannkuchen?Do we still have enough flour for the pancakes?
- LauraJa, ich schaue schnell im Schrank nach.Yes, I will check the cupboard quickly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Pfannkuchen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
