Popcorn
neuter
The German word for popcorn is Popcorn. Wiktionary also lists Puffmais.
Meaning: a snack food made from corn kernels popped by dry heating (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Popcorn | neuter | |
| Puffmais | /ˈpʊfmaɪ̯s/ | masculine |
The term refers to the snack food made from corn kernels popped by dry heating.
Which one should you use?
While Popcorn is the common term used in everyday speech, Puffmais is a more descriptive, formal term for the snack.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Popcorn is a neuter noun, so it takes the article das.
Did you know?
- In some regional German dialects, the concept of 'puffing' or 'popping' is linked to the word aufgepufft, which can also be used colloquially to describe someone who is acting arrogant or 'puffed up'.
- In Germany, Popcorn is often categorized under the broader term Knabbergebäck, which translates to 'nibble-baked goods' and includes pretzels and chips.
- While 'Puffmais' is technically the descriptive German name, using it in a movie theater might make you sound like a textbook rather than a local patron.
Examples in context
- Ich mag kein Popcorn.I don't like popcorn.This sentence is useful for expressing a dislike for Popcorn.Tatoeba #12354088 by Naina, translation #6666964 by CK
- Ich will kein Popcorn.I don't want any popcorn.This sentence is useful for expressing a lack of desire for Popcorn.Tatoeba #2302863 by Zaghawa, translation #2012107 by CK
- Tom will Popcorn haben.Tom wants popcorn.This sentence is useful for stating that someone wants to have Popcorn.Tatoeba #6625396 by Felixjp, translation #4502826 by CK
- Kannst du bitte eine Tüte Puffmais kaufen?Can you please buy a bag of popcorn?
- 38 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are deciding what to eat during a movie.
- JuliaMöchtest du Popcorn essen?Do you want to eat popcorn?
- MaximilianJa, das ist eine gute Idee.Yes, that is a good idea.
- JuliaSoll ich das Popcorn machen?Should I make the popcorn?
- MaximilianBitte, das wäre toll.Please, that would be great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “popcorn” translations and entries Popcorn, Puffmais, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
