Süßigkeiten
/ˈzyːsɪçˌkaɪ̯tn̩/feminine, plural
The English word sweets is translated into German as Süßigkeiten. Wiktionary also lists Bonbons and Schleckzeug.
Meaning: confectionery, candy (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Süßigkeiten | /ˈzyːsɪçˌkaɪ̯tn̩/ | feminine, plural |
| Bonbons | [bɔ̃ˈbɔ̃ːs] (narrow) [bɔŋˈbɔŋs] (narrow) |
masculine, plural |
| Schleckzeug | /ˈʃlɛkt͡sɔʏ̯k/ | Swiss German, neuter |
Süßigkeiten is a general term used for all types of confectionery or candy. In certain regions of Germany, people may use the colloquial term Naschzeug to describe a variety of sweets.
Which one should you use?
While Süßigkeiten covers all types of confectionery, Bonbons refers specifically to hard candies or boiled sweets.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland, the term Schleckzeug is used to refer to sweets. In certain parts of Germany, the colloquial expression Naschzeug is used to describe a variety of sweets.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Süßigkeiten is a feminine plural noun. The singular form of this word is Süßigkeit, which refers to a single sweet or a piece of confectionery.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈzyːsɪçˌkaɪ̯tn̩/
Did you know?
- In some German households, the verb naschen is used as a warning to children, such as nicht naschen!, to prevent them from spoiling their appetite before dinner.
- If you are in a German bakery, you might see Konfekt on a sign. This refers to higher-quality, more sophisticated confectionery like chocolate truffles rather than everyday 'Süßigkeiten'.
- The word Schleckzeug literally translates to 'licking stuff'. It is a playful way to describe any confectionery that involves licking, such as lollipops.
Examples in context
- Ich esse gern Süßigkeiten.I like to eat sweets.The first sentence is useful for expressing a preference for eating Süßigkeiten.Tatoeba #521854 by esocom, translation #706359 by bferrant
- Ich mag keine Süßigkeiten.I don't like sweets.The second sentence is useful for expressing a dislike for Süßigkeiten.Tatoeba #10125056 by wolfgangth, translation #6573905 by Eccles17
- Er kaufte lose Süßigkeiten.He bought some loose sweets.The third sentence is useful for describing the purchase of loose Süßigkeiten.Tatoeba #12441419 by Augustus, translation #12536344 by sundown
- Ich mag Bonbons.I like sweets.
- Kannst du mir ein paar Süßigkeiten besorgen?Can you get me some sweets?
- Die Auswahl an Naschereien in diesem Geschäft ist fantastisch!The selection of sweets in this shop is fantastic!
- In meiner Kindheit gab es immer jede Menge Naschzeug!In my childhood, there were always plenty of sweets!
- 82 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are visiting a grocery store.
- MaximilianSollen wir noch ein paar Süßigkeiten kaufen?Should we buy some sweets?
- JuliaJa, aber nur eine kleine Packung.Yes, but only a small pack.
- MaximilianWelche Süßigkeiten magst du am liebsten?Which sweets do you like best?
- JuliaIch mag Gummibärchen sehr gern.I like gummy bears very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sweets” translations and entries Süßigkeiten, Bonbons, Schleckzeug, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schleckzeug, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
