Brezel
/ˈbreːtsəl/feminine, neuter
The English phrase "pretzel" is Brezel in German. It is also spelled Brezen. Wiktionary also lists Breze and Pretzel.
Meaning: toasted bread or cracker in the shape of a knot (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Brezel | /ˈbreːtsəl/ | feminine, neuter |
| Breze | feminine | |
| Brezen | feminine, neuter, alternative form | |
| Pretzel | feminine, neuter |
The word refers to a toasted bread or cracker that is shaped into a knot.
Which one should you use?
Brezel is the standard term in Southern Germany and Austria. Breze is an alternative form used primarily in Southern Germany, especially in Bavaria. Brezen serves as an alternative spelling of Breze. Pretzel is also a form used for this item.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Breze is used primarily in Southern Germany, particularly in Bavaria.
How does it change in a sentence?
In many Southern German dialects, Brezen is used as the plural form for both Breze and Brezel.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbreːtsəl/
Did you know?
- The shape of the Brezel is traditionally said to represent a person praying with their arms crossed over their chest.
- In Bavaria, a Brezn is often served with Weisswurst and sweet mustard as a traditional breakfast.
- The word Brezel shares an unexpected ancestor with the English word 'arm', stemming from the Latin 'bracchium' meaning 'arm'.
Examples in context
- Ich will eine Brezel.I want a pretzel.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire for a Breze.Tatoeba #12511890 by Naina, translation #11899664 by CK
- Möchtest du eine Brezel?Do you want a pretzel?This sentence is useful for offering a Breze.Tatoeba #10296306 by Vortarulo, translation #6713552 by Eccles17
- Das alte Zunftzeichen der Bäcker ist die Brezel.The ancient guild-symbol of the baker is a pretzel.This sentence is useful for identifying the Brezel as a baker's guild symbol.
- Ich hätte gerne eine Brezel, bitte.I would like a pretzel, please.
- Ich hol' mir nachher eine leckere Laugenbrezel beim Bäcker.I'll get myself a delicious pretzel from the bakery later.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A bakery in a small town.
- HannahIst diese Brezel frisch?Is this pretzel fresh?
- MaximilianJa, sie ist ganz frisch.Yes, it is very fresh.
- HannahDann nehme ich eine Brezel.Then I will take a pretzel.
- MaximilianSehr gerne, Hannah.You're very welcome, Hannah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pretzel” translations and entries Brezel, Breze, Brezen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Brezel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
