chewing gum
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chewing gum
An elastic mass, usually sweetened and flavored, intended for chewing but not for swallowing.
Er nahm einen Kaugummi aus der Packung, um seinen Atem zu erfrischen.
He took a piece of chewing gum from the pack to freshen his breath.
The word 'Kaugummi' consists of the verb 'kauen' (to chew) and the noun 'Gummi' (rubber/gum). So it is literally a 'Gummi zum Kauen' (gum for chewing).
Kinder lieben Kaugummis mit süßem Geschmack.
Children love chewing gums with sweet flavors.
The appropriate verb for 'Kaugummi' (chewing gum) is always 'kauen' (to chew). You don't use 'essen' (to eat), since chewing gum is not swallowed.
Es gilt als unhöflich, während eines Gesprächs laut Kaugummi zu kauen.
It is considered impolite to chew gum loudly during a conversation.
'Kaugummi' (chewing gum) can be used as an uncountable substance or as a countable individual piece. So you can ask for 'Kaugummi' in general or for 'einem Kaugummi' (a piece of chewing gum).
Hast du vielleicht Kaugummi für mich?
Do you perhaps have any chewing gum for me?
rubber / eraser
'Gummi' and 'Kaugummi' look similar, but they normally mean different things. 'Gummi' is an elastic material or an object made from it, for example a rubber band or an eraser. 'Kaugummi' is something sweet or flavored that you chew but do not swallow. Learners may confuse the words because both contain 'Gummi'. The important point is: only 'Kaugummi' has to do with eating or chewing. Without context, 'Gummi' on its own usually does not mean chewing gum.
Nach dem Essen nimmt Lisa einen Kaugummi aus ihrer Tasche.
After eating, Lisa takes a piece of chewing gum out of her bag.
Für die offenen Tüten brauche ich noch einen Gummi.
I still need a rubber band for the open bags.