A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Spätzle
German egg noodles, often served as a side dish. Hear the correct pronunciation.
spätzle
SHPET-sluh
/ˈʃpɛtslə/ · SHPET · sluh
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
Spätzle is a common dish in Southern German cuisine, often found on menus in German restaurants or at Oktoberfest celebrations. It's also increasingly appearing on menus in American restaurants that feature European or comfort food. You might hear it discussed when talking about traditional meals or travel to Germany.
Where the word comes from
From German Spätzle, diminutive of Spatz ('little sparrow'), likely referring to the small, irregular shape of the noodles.
Common ways people get it wrong
- SPAT-zul The 'z' sound is often misheard as 'z', but it's actually a 'ts' sound, like in 'cats'.
- SPAT-zuhl The 'l' sound at the end is often dropped or softened, but it's a clear 'luh' sound in German.
Frequently asked
What is spätzle made of?
Spätzle is primarily made from unleavened dough of flour and eggs. Water or milk is often added, and it's typically seasoned with salt.
Is spätzle pasta?
While similar to pasta in its use of flour and eggs, spätzle is technically considered a type of noodle or dumpling. It's a staple of German cuisine, distinct from Italian pasta.
What is a German Spätzle?
Spätzle is a type of soft egg noodle or dumpling, originating from Germany. It is a traditional dish often served as a side or main course.
How do you pronounce Käse Spätzle?
Käse Spätzle is pronounced roughly as 'KAY-zuh SHPET-zleh'. Käse means cheese in German, referring to the popular cheesy version of the dish.
How do you pronounce spatlese in German?
Spatlese is pronounced 'SHTPAH-tleh-zuh'. It is a German term for a type of wine made from grapes that are ripe but not overripe.
What does spaetzle mean in slang?
Spätzle does not have a common slang meaning. It refers specifically to the German noodle or dumpling dish.
