Stollen
/ˈʃtɔlən/masculine
Stollen is the German word for stollen, a traditional German cake eaten at Christmas time. If unsure, use Stollen. Wiktionary also lists Christstollen and Weihnachtsstollen.
Meaning: a traditional German cake eaten at Christmas time (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Stollen | /ˈʃtɔlən/ | masculine |
| Christstollen | /ˈkʁɪstˌʃtɔlən/ | masculine |
| Weihnachtsstollen | masculine |
The term refers specifically to a heavy, fruit-filled yeast bread that is typically coated in powdered sugar.
Which one should you use?
While Stollen is the general term for this type of baked good, Christstollen is a more specific term used to emphasize the cake's role as a Christmas tradition.
How does it change in a sentence?
Stollen is a masculine noun and is used with the definite article der (der Stollen). Note that all German nouns, including Stollen, must be capitalized in writing.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃtɔlən/
Did you know?
- The word Stollen also means 'mine shaft' or 'gallery' in German. This creates a linguistic double meaning where the same word describes both a Christmas cake and an underground tunnel.
- The name Stollen actually comes from a word meaning 'prop' or 'support'. It is believed that the shape of the cake resembles a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, with the dough acting as the support.
- In many parts of Germany, the quality of a Stollen is legally protected. Specifically, the 'Dresdner Christstollen' must follow strict historical recipes and be produced only in Dresden to use that specific name.
Examples in context
- Christstollen gehören zu den traditionellen, weihnachtlichen Backwaren.Christmas stollen is one of the traditional Christmas baked goods.This sentence shows how Christstollen is categorized among traditional Christmas baked goods.Tatoeba #5488156 by dispy, translation #8977834 by mccarras
- Komm vorbei und lass uns Stollen essen!Come over and let's eat stollen!
- Der Stollen schmeckt sehr süß.The stollen tastes very sweet.
- Wir kaufen einen großen Stollen für die Feier.We are buying a large stollen for the celebration.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are in a bakery during the Christmas season.
- MaximilianIst dieser Stollen frisch?Is this stollen fresh?
- SarahJa, er wurde erst heute Morgen gebacken.Yes, it was baked only this morning.
- MaximilianGut, dann nehme ich den Stollen.Good, then I will take the stollen.
- SarahGerne, ich packe ihn für Sie ein.Certainly, I will wrap it up for you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stollen” translations and entries Stollen, Christstollen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Christstollen, Stollen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
