Vanille
/vaˈnɪlə/feminine
The German word for vanilla is Vanille. Wiktionary also lists Vanille-.
Meaning: flavor (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Vanille | /vaˈnɪlə/ /vaˈnɪljə/ (Germany) |
feminine |
| Vanille- |
Vanille is a feminine noun used to refer to the flavor.
Which one should you use?
Vanille is the standalone noun, whereas Vanille- is used as a prefix to create compound nouns such as Vanilleeis (vanilla ice cream).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form Vanille- functions as a prefix to form compound nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/vaˈnɪlə/
Did you know?
- While English uses 'vanilla' to describe something plain or basic, German speakers usually use the term 'standard' or 'gewöhnlich' for that meaning.
- The Vanillekipferl is a traditional crescent-shaped vanilla nut cookie essential to Christmas celebrations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
- The word Vanille was borrowed from French, which had taken it from the Spanish vainilla, meaning 'little pod'.
Examples in context
- Das schmeckt nach Vanille.This tastes of vanilla.This sentence is useful for describing the taste of something using Vanille.Tatoeba #4023256 by Esperantostern, translation #12119035 by sundown
- Ich hätte gern ein Vanilleeis.I want a vanilla ice cream.This sentence is useful for ordering vanilla ice cream using Vanille.Tatoeba #5250892 by Sudajaengi, translation #1129680 by CM
- Am allerliebsten esse ich Vanilleeis.Vanilla is my favorite flavor of ice cream.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for vanilla ice cream using Vanille.Tatoeba #11935215 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6024793 by CK
- Für unser Dessert benötigen wir etwas Vanilleeis.For our dessert, we will need some vanilla ice cream.
- Das Vanilledessert in diesem Restaurant ist einfach köstlich!The Vanilledessert at this restaurant is absolutely delicious!
- Vergiss nicht, etwas Vanillezucker auf die Pfannkuchen zu streuen.Don't forget to sprinkle some Vanillezucker on top of the pancakes.
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are baking a cake together in the kitchen.
- FelixHaben wir noch Vanille im Schrank?Do we still have vanilla in the cupboard?
- SarahJa, die Vanille steht direkt hier.Yes, the vanilla is right here.
- FelixSuper, ich nehme eine Kapsel Vanille.Great, I'll take one vanilla pod.
- SarahDas wird ein sehr leckerer Kuchen.That will be a very delicious cake.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vanilla” translations and entries Vanille, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Vanille, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
