Schneekugel
/ˈʃneːˌkuːɡəl/
The English phrase 'snow globe' is translated into German as Schneekugel.
Schneekugel refers to a decorative glass sphere that contains a miniature scene and artificial snow which swirls around when the object is shaken.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound noun made of Schnee, meaning 'snow' and Kugel, meaning 'sphere' or 'ball'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The indefinite article for a snow globe is eine. If you are referring to more than one, the plural form is Schneekugeln.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃneːˌkuːɡəl/
Did you know?
- The word Kugel is used for everything from a snow globe to a ball bearing or a bullet. Because it describes a perfect sphere, it can refer to a tiny bead or a massive planet.
- In Germany, the Schneekugel is often associated with the 'Christmas market' tradition, where they are sold as regional souvenirs featuring local landmarks like the Kölner Dom cathedral.
- The word Kugel also appears in the German name for ice cream scoops, Eiskugel. This means a person ordering three scoops of ice cream is technically ordering three 'spheres'.
Examples in context
- Tom beäugte den stiebenden Schnee in der Schneekugel.Tom looked at the snow falling inside the snow globe.This sentence shows how to describe looking at the snow inside a Schneekugel.Tatoeba #4867140 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4853293 by Hybrid
- Schneekugeln sind wunderschöne Souvenirs, die oft als Erinnerung an den Winterurlaub dienen.Snow globes are beautiful souvenirs that often serve as a memory of winter vacations.
- Hey, hast du meine Schneekugel gesehen? Ich habe sie gestern auf dem Regal stehen lassen.Hey, have you seen my snow globe? I left it on the shelf yesterday.
- Die Schneekugel steht auf dem Regal.The snow globe is sitting on the shelf.
- Ich möchte diese schöne Schneekugel kaufen.I want to buy this beautiful snow globe.
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are browsing a gift shop.
- HannahSchau mal, diese Schneekugel ist toll!Look, this snow globe is great!
- JulianJa, sie sieht sehr elegant aus.Yes, it looks very elegant.
- HannahSoll ich sie für dich kaufen?Should I buy it for you?
- JulianDas ist lieb, danke Hannah!That is kind, thanks Hannah!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Schneekugel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.