Puderzucker
masculine
The English phrase "powdered sugar" is Puderzucker in German. Wiktionary also lists Staubzucker.
Meaning: very finely ground sugar used in icings, etc (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Puderzucker | masculine | |
| Staubzucker | /ˈʃtaʊ̯pˌtsʊkəʁ/ | Austria, masculine |
Puderzucker refers to very finely ground sugar used in icings, etc.
What does it mean word for word?
Puderzucker is a compound word consisting of Puder (powder) and Zucker (sugar).
Which one should you use?
While Puderzucker is standard in Germany, Staubzucker (literally "dust sugar") is the common term used in Austria.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austria, Staubzucker is a common term for powdered sugar.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a masculine noun, Puderzucker takes the accusative ending -en (as in den Puderzucker) when it is the direct object of a sentence.
Did you know?
- The term Puder was historically associated with the white wigs and face powders of the 18th-century aristocracy before it became common in the kitchen.
- In Austria, Staubzucker is often used to describe the fine coating on Kaiserschmarrn, a shredded pancake dessert named after Emperor Franz Joseph I.
- The word Puder in Puderzucker is a loanword from the French poudre, which is why the term for 'powder' in cosmetics and baking sounds similar in both languages.
Examples in context
- Streuen Sie Staubzucker auf den Kaiserschmarrn.Sprinkle powdered sugar on the Kaiserschmarrn.
- Kannst du etwas Streuzucker auf den Apfelstrudel geben?Can you put some powdered sugar on the apple strudel?
- Streue den Puderzucker über die Erdbeeren.Sprinkle the powdered sugar over the strawberries.
- Ich brauche noch etwas Puderzucker für den Kuchen.I still need some powdered sugar for the cake.
Example conversation
Two people are preparing dessert in a kitchen.
- SarahHast du den Puderzucker gefunden, Felix?Did you find the powdered sugar, Felix?
- FelixJa, er steht im obersten Regal.Yes, it is on the top shelf.
- SarahSuper, dann kannst du ihn bitte auf die Donuts streuen.Great, then please sprinkle it over the donuts.
- FelixMache ich sofort.I'll do it right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “powdered sugar” translations and entries Puderzucker, Staubzucker, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
