A spice obtained from the dried bark of the cinnamon tree. It has a characteristic sweet and spicy flavor and is often used in desserts and hot drinks.
example
Ich streue mir immer etwas Zimt auf meinen Milchreis.
I always sprinkle a little cinnamon on my rice pudding.
Usage tips
Uncountable noun
'Zimt' (cinnamon) is an uncountable noun, a substance noun. It is usually used without an article or with indefinite quantity expressions like 'etwas' (some), 'eine Prise' (a pinch), or 'ein wenig' (a little).
EXAMPLE
Möchtest du etwas Zimt in deinen Kaffee?
Would you like some cinnamon in your coffee?
Typical combination
A very common and fixed combination is 'Zimt und Zucker' (cinnamon and sugar). This mixture is often used together for sweet dishes like semolina pudding or pancakes.
EXAMPLE
Kinder lieben Grießbrei mit Zimt und Zucker.
Children love semolina pudding with cinnamon and sugar.
Typical use
'Zimt' (cinnamon) is often mentioned in connection with desserts and wintry hot drinks. Typical verbs are 'streuen' (to sprinkle), 'hinzufügen' (to add), or 'würzen' (to season/flavor).
EXAMPLE
Ich würze meinen Apfelkuchen gerne mit viel Zimt.
I like to flavor my apple cake with lots of cinnamon.