Milchschaum
The German phrase for steamed milk is Milchschaum.
In a German cafe, if you want the frothy topping specifically, you would ask for Milchschaum. This term translates to milk foam.
When do people say it?
When ordering coffee in a German cafe, you can use the word Milchschaum to specify that you want the frothy milk foam on top of your drink.
Did you know?
- The word Schaum is a cognate of the English word 'scum'. While 'scum' became negative in English, Schaum remains a positive, appetizing term used for everything from milk to shaving cream and bath bubbles.
- If you are looking for a relaxing bath, you might look for 'Milchschaum' on a bottle, as the word refers to 'milk bubbles' in a tub just as much as it does to coffee.
- While Milchschaum describes the foam, the act of frothing milk is often called aufschäumen. The prefix auf- suggests a literal lifting or rising of the milk into a peak.
Examples in context
- Guten Tag! Könnte ich bitte einen Cappuccino mit aufgeschäumter Milch haben?Good day! Could I please have a cappuccino with steamed milk?
- Hallo! Kann ich einen Cappuccino mit Milchschaum bekommen?Hello! Can I get a cappuccino with milk foam?
- Ich mag meinen Cappuccino mit viel Milchschaum.I like my cappuccino with a lot of steamed milk.
- Der Milchschaum ist heute besonders cremig.The steamed milk is especially creamy today.
- Kann ich bitte etwas Milchschaum dazu haben?Can I please have some steamed milk with that?
Example conversation
In a small cafe, Felix orders a coffee.
- FelixEinen Latte Macchiato, bitte.A latte macchiato, please.
- JuliaMöchten Sie viel Milchschaum obenauf?Would you like a lot of steamed milk on top?
- FelixJa, bitte, sehr viel Milchschaum.Yes, please, a lot of steamed milk.
- JuliaGerne, das kommt sofort.Certainly, that will be right out.
