A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Spaetzle
A German noodle or dumpling, often served as a side dish with meats and gravies.
spaetzle
SPETS-luh
/ˈspɛtslə/ · SPETS · luh
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also mentioned in food blogs and articles discussing traditional European comfort food.
Where the word comes from
The word 'Spätzle' is German, and its origin is uncertain. It may be related to the Swabian dialect word 'spatzen,' meaning 'little sparrows,' perhaps due to the dumplings' irregular shape resembling the birds.
Common ways people get it wrong
- SPAT-zel The 'z' sound in German is often pronounced like 'ts' in English, so 'tz' becomes 'ts' not 'z'.
- SPAY-tzel The 'ä' in German is pronounced like the 'e' in 'bet', not like the 'a' in 'say'.
Frequently asked
What is spaetzle made of?
It's a simple dough made from flour, eggs, and water or milk. Some recipes also include salt and a pinch of nutmeg.
Is spaetzle a pasta or a dumpling?
It's often described as a type of soft egg noodle or dumpling. It's made from a batter, not a rolled dough like traditional pasta.
How do Germans say spaetzle?
Germans pronounce spaetzle as 'SHPET-suh-luh'. The 'sp' is pronounced like 'shp', and the 'ae' is like the 'e' in 'bet'.
What is the difference between spaetzle and pasta?
Spaetzle are soft egg noodles, often irregular in shape, while pasta is typically made from durum wheat semolina and formed into specific shapes.
How do you pronounce spaetzle in English?
In English, spaetzle is commonly pronounced as 'SPET-zul'. Some may also pronounce the 'ae' as a long 'a' sound, like 'SPAYT-zul'.
