Zucker
/ˈt͡sʊ.kɐ/masculine
The English word "sugar" is translated into German as Zucker.
Zucker refers to the sucrose used to sweeten food and drink. You may encounter more specific terms such as Rohrzucker for cane sugar or Rübenzucker for sugar derived from beets. The related verb zuckern means to add sugar to something or to sweeten it.
Meaning: sucrose from sugar cane or sugar beet used to sweeten food and drink (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austria and parts of Germany, the terms Staubzucker or Puderzucker are used to refer to powdered sugar.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Zucker is a masculine noun. To indicate possession (the genitive singular), you can use Zuckers or simply the form Zucker with a zero ending, depending on the context.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable. The IPA is /ˈtsʊ.kɐ/.
When do people say it?
While not a direct translation of sugar, the word Süße means sweetness and can also be used as a term of endearment.
Did you know?
- The German word Zucker actually shares its ancient roots with the Sanskrit word śárkarā, which originally meant 'grit' or 'gravel' rather than a sweet substance.
- If you see the word Zuckerbäcker in a German bakery, it does not mean 'sugar baker' in a literal sense, but refers to a 'confectioner' or 'pastry chef'.
- The German term for powdered sugar, Staubzucker, literally translates to 'dust sugar'.
Examples in context
- Der Zucker ist süß.The sugar is sweet.This sentence illustrates the use of Zucker as the subject.Tatoeba #3762550 by Wuzzy, translation #3762551 by Wuzzy
- Das ist kein Zucker.This isn't sugar.This sentence shows how to negate the presence of Zucker.Tatoeba #2233779 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2233761 by CK
- Ihr Zucker ist leer.You're out of sugar.This sentence uses Zucker to indicate a lack of the substance.Tatoeba #14052247 by Naina, translation #2547967 by CK
- Entschuldigen Sie, haben Sie bitte etwas Zucker für meinen Kaffee?Excuse me, do you have some sugar for my coffee, please?
- Kannst du mir etwas Zucker geben?Can you give me some sugar?
- Guten Morgen, meine Süße! Willst du etwas Zucker in deinem Tee?Good morning, my sweetheart! Do you want some sugar in your tea?
- Könntest du bitte den Kuchen mit etwas Staubzucker bestäuben?Could you please dust the cake with some powdered sugar?
- 372 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are making coffee in the kitchen.
- LukasJulia, hast du Zucker?Julia, do you have sugar?
- JuliaJa, der Zucker ist hier auf dem Tisch.Yes, the sugar is here on the table.
- LukasDanke, ich nehme zwei Löffel voll.Thanks, I'll take two spoonfuls.
- JuliaGerne, Lukas.You're welcome, Lukas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sugar” translations and entries Zucker, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Zucker, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
