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das Bonbon
candy
A small sweet made of sugar that you suck or chew.
example
Als Belohnung gab die Oma dem Kind ein leckeres Fruchtbonbon.
As a reward, Grandma gave the child a tasty fruit candy.
das Bonbon
candy
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Meanings
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Usage tips
French origin
The word 'Bonbon' (candy) comes from French. It is a reduplication of 'bon', meaning 'good', and was originally a word from children’s language for something that tastes good.
EXAMPLE
Möchtest du ein Bonbon?
Would you like a candy?
Regional variants
The word 'Bonbon' (candy) is understood throughout the German-speaking world. In Austria and parts of Bavaria, however, people more often say 'das Zuckerl', and in Switzerland 'das Guetsli'.
EXAMPLE
In Wien habe ich mir ein Sackerl mit Zuckerl gekauft.
In Vienna, I bought myself a small bag of candies.
Typical compounds
To describe the type of sweet more precisely, 'Bonbon' (candy) is often used as the base word in compounds. Examples include 'Hustenbonbon' (cough drop), 'Fruchtbonbon' (fruit candy), or 'Karamellbonbon' (caramel candy).
EXAMPLE
Im Winter habe ich immer ein paar Hustenbonbons in meiner Tasche.
In winter, I always have a few cough drops in my bag.
Figurative meaning
In a figurative sense, 'Bonbon' (perk/extra) describes a small, unexpected advantage or a nice extra. It is often used in the phrase 'als kleines Bonbon' (as a little extra).
EXAMPLE
Als Bonbon gab es für alle Teilnehmer des Seminars ein Buch gratis dazu.
As a bonus, all participants in the seminar received a free book.
Compare with
Bonbon vs Vorteil
advantage
'der Vorteil' and 'das Bonbon' can both mean something positive that you get in addition or that makes something more attractive. 'Vorteil' is neutral and fits in almost all situations when something is useful. 'Bonbon' is used figuratively and sounds more casual: it means a small extra, a special benefit, or something pleasant on top. For important or factual comparisons, 'Vorteil' is more natural. 'Bonbon' fits better when you want to emphasize a nice additional offer.
Bonbon
Als kleines Bonbon bekommen alle Gäste ein kostenloses Getränk.
As a little extra, all guests receive a free drink.
Vorteil
Der Vorteil des neuen Tarifs ist, dass wir jeden Monat weniger zahlen.
The advantage of the new plan is that we pay less every month.
In real life
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