Löffel
/ˈlœfl̩/masculine
The German word for spoon is Löffel.
Löffel refers to a scooped utensil used for eating or serving. To be more specific, you might use Teelöffel when referring to a teaspoon. If you are discussing a spoonful of a substance, the term Esslöffel is used. In a colloquial or slang context, the idiom den Löffel abgeben (literally 'to give up the spoon') is used to say that someone has died.
Meaning: scooped utensil for eating (or serving) (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Löffel is masculine. The plural form remains Löffel, so the word does not change when referring to multiple spoons.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlœfl̩/
Did you know?
- One theory suggests that den Löffel abgeben comes from the tradition of poor people giving away their only valuable possession, a wooden spoon, before they died.
- The German Löffel is an ancient relative of the English word 'lap' as in 'to lap up milk'. Both words originally described the action of licking or scooping liquid with the tongue.
- In a traditional German 'Kaffeeklatsch', the Teelöffel is essential not just for stirring but for the social ritual of chatting over coffee and cake.
Examples in context
- Gib mir den Löffel.Give me the spoon.This sentence is useful for asking someone to hand you the Löffel.Tatoeba #749709 by Manfredo, translation #430660 by CM
- Uns fehlt ein Löffel.We lack one spoon.This sentence is useful for expressing that a Löffel is missing.Tatoeba #7766250 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7765366 by sharris123
- Der Löffel gehört mir.That spoon is mine.This sentence is useful for claiming ownership of a Löffel.Tatoeba #10000171 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9999876 by CK
- In der eleganten Dinnergesellschaft benutzte er den Löffel, um die exquisite Suppe zu probieren.In the elegant dinner party, he used the spoon to taste the exquisite soup.
- Ich benötige einen Kochlöffel, um die Zutaten in der Pfanne zu mischen.I need a Kochlöffel to mix the ingredients in the pan.
- Ein Esslöffel Zucker in den KaffeeA spoonful of sugar in the coffee
- Ein Teelöffel Honig im TeeA teaspoon of honey in the tea
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is preparing to eat soup in their kitchen.
- MaximilianHast du einen Löffel für die Suppe?Do you have a spoon for the soup?
- SarahJa, hier ist ein Löffel für dich.Yes, here is a spoon for you.
- MaximilianDanke, Sarah. Ich brauche auch eine Gabel.Thanks, Sarah. I also need a fork.
- SarahIch hole die Gabel gleich für dich, Maximilian.I will get the fork for you right away, Maximilian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spoon” translations and entries Löffel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Löffel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
