der Krümel
crumb
A very small, broken-off piece of something, especially of pastry, bread, or cake.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Frühstück waren überall Krümel auf dem Tisch.
After breakfast, there were crumbs all over the table.
der Krümel
crumb
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Meanings
der Krümel
little one
An affectionate, colloquial term for a small child.
EXAMPLE
Na, du kleiner Krümel, hast du gut geschlafen?
Well, you little one, did you sleep well?
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Krümel' (crumb) is directly connected to the verb 'krümeln' (to crumble / shed crumbs). When something 'krümelt', for example a cookie, crumbs are produced.
EXAMPLE
Pass auf, der Keks krümelt auf das Sofa!
Watch out, the cookie is shedding crumbs onto the sofa!
Typical collocations
'Krümel' (crumb) is often combined with the material it consists of, for example 'Brotkrümel' (bread crumbs) or 'Kuchenkrümel' (cake crumbs). Typical verbs are 'aufwischen' (to wipe up), 'wegfegen' (to sweep away), or 'zusammenkehren' (to sweep up).
EXAMPLE
Könntest du bitte die Brotkrümel vom Tisch wischen?
Could you please wipe the bread crumbs off the table?
Register and style
In this meaning, 'Krümel' (little one) is an affectionate and colloquial pet name for a small child. It is used to express affection.
EXAMPLE
Komm her, mein kleiner Krümel, und gib mir einen Kuss.
Come here, my little one, and give me a kiss.
Context clue
Whether a food remnant or a child is meant becomes immediately clear from the context. If a person is addressed directly, often with the adjective 'klein' (small/little), it is the pet name.
EXAMPLE
Hallo du kleiner Krümel, wie war dein Tag im Kindergarten?
Hello, you little one, how was your day at kindergarten?
Compare with
Krümel vs Stöpsel
stopper / plug
Both words can be colloquial terms for a small child. „Krümel“ usually sounds especially tender and affectionate, while „Stöpsel“ highlights a small, lively, or cheeky child. Use „Krümel“ as a term of endearment and „Stöpsel“ when the child’s character or behavior is part of the meaning.
Krümel
Unser kleiner Krümel schläft nach dem langen Tag friedlich in seinem Bett.
Our little one is sleeping peacefully in their bed after the long day.
Stöpsel
Der kleine Stöpsel rennt nach dem langen Tag noch immer fröhlich durch die Wohnung.
Even after the long day, the little guy is still happily running around the apartment.
In real life
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