Pflaume
/ˈpflaʊ̯mə/feminine
The English word plum translates to German as Pflaume. Wiktionary also lists Zwetschge.
Meaning: fruit of Prunus domestica (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pflaume | /ˈpflaʊ̯mə/ (standard) /ˈflaʊ̯mə/ |
feminine |
| Zwetschge | [ˈtsvɛtʃ.ɡə] (narrow) | feminine |
The word Pflaume is the general term for the fruit of the Prunus domestica. You may also encounter the adjective begehrt, which means choice.
Which one should you use?
While Pflaume is the general term for plum, Zwetschge specifically refers to the oval-shaped, slightly tart variety often used for baking or making jam. In English, this specific type is sometimes called an Italian prune.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Pflaume is a feminine noun. The plural form of 'Pflaume' is 'Pflaumen'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpflaʊ̯mə/
Did you know?
- In some German dialects, calling someone a Pflaume is a mild insult meaning they are a clumsy or foolish person.
- The word Zwetschge reveals a historical link to the city of Damascus, as the name stems from the Latin term for 'Damascene plums'.
- In certain regional contexts, a Pflaumenkuchen is a staple of late summer celebrations in Germany, specifically utilizing the tart Zwetschge rather than the sweet Pflaume.
Examples in context
- Ich will Pflaumenmus haben.I'd like some plum jam.This sentence shows how to use Pflaume when talking about plum jam.Tatoeba #2469706 by Manfredo, translation #2065057 by gleki
- Umeshu ist japanischer Pflaumenwein.Umeshu is Japanese plum wine.This sentence uses Pflaume to describe a type of Japanese plum wine.Tatoeba #9621435 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10299357 by mutskt
- Ich habe den Pflaumenbaum noch nicht gefällt.I haven't cut down the plum tree yet.This sentence uses Pflaume in the context of a plum tree.Tatoeba #3044003 by pne, translation #3044004 by pne
- Ich esse gerne ZwetschgenkuchenI enjoy eating plum cake
- Lass uns einen Pflaumenkuchen backen!Let's bake a plum cake!
- Ich habe mir frische Blaufränkische vom Markt geholt.I bought fresh blue plums from the market.
- Können Sie mir bitte ein Stück Zwetschgenkuchen geben?Could you please give me a piece of plum cake?
- Die Pflaumen in Ihrem Obststand sehen frisch ausThe plums at your fruit stand look fresh
- Ich esse gerne frische Zwetschgen im Sommer.I enjoy eating fresh plums in summer.
- Hast du schon einmal Zwetschgenmarmelade probiert?Have you ever tasted plum jam?
- Lass uns Zwetschgen vom Baum pflücken!Let's pick plums from the tree!
- Ich hätte gerne einen Korb voller frischer Zwetschgen.I would like a basket full of fresh plums.
- Können Sie mir sagen, wo ich hier Zwetschgen kaufen kann?Can you tell me where I can buy plums around here?
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are at a local fruit market.
- JuliaDiese Pflaume hier ist sehr reif.This plum here is very ripe.
- MaximilianSoll ich eine für uns kaufen, Julia?Should I buy one for us, Julia?
- JuliaJa, bitte, sie sieht lecker aus.Yes, please, it looks delicious.
- MaximilianAlles klar, ich nehme die Pflaume.Alright, I'll take the plum.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “plum” translations and entries Pflaume, Zwetschge, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Pflaume, Zwetschge, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
