das / der  Bonbon

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/bɔnˈbɔn/

🍬 What exactly is a Bonbon?

A Bonbon is a small sweet or piece of candy, usually made from sugar or sugar substitutes, flavourings, and colourings. It is typically sucked or chewed.

Article Speciality: The word "Bonbon" can have two articles:

• das Bonbon: This is the standard German and most widespread form (neuter).
• der Bonbon: This form is used regionally, especially in Western Germany (e.g., the Rhineland) and Switzerland (masculine). ⚠️ Although regionally correct, "der Bonbon" might be perceived as unusual or incorrect in other areas. When in doubt, "das Bonbon" is the safer choice.

Both articles refer to the same type of sweet.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Das and Der Bonbon

The declension depends on the article used.

Declension "das Bonbon" (Neuter - Standard)

Declension "der Bonbon" (Masculine - Regional)

Example Sentences

1. Das Kind lutscht genüsslich das Bonbon.
   (The child enjoys sucking the candy. - Standard)
2. Gibst du mir bitte auch ein Bonbon?
   (Could you give me a candy too, please? - Standard)
3. Oma hat immer eine Tüte bunter Bonbons dabei.
   (Grandma always has a bag of colourful candies with her. - Plural)
4. Im Rheinland sagt man oft: "Ich hätte gern den Bonbon da."
   (In the Rhineland, people often say: "I'd like that candy there." - Regional)
5. Die Verpackung des Bonbons ist sehr farbenfroh.
   (The candy's wrapper is very colourful. - Genitive, possible with both articles)

💡 How "Bonbon" is Used

"Bonbon" is an everyday word for a specific type of sweet/candy. Here are some typical contexts:

• As a treat: Children get Bonbons as a reward or just for snacking.
• For colds: Hustenbonbons (cough drops) or Halsbonbons (throat lozenges) are meant to soothe symptoms.
• As a small gift: A bowl of Bonbons is often offered to guests.
• In advertising: Many confectionery manufacturers advertise their Bonbons.

Difference from similar words:

• Süßigkeit: General term for anything sweet (chocolate, gummy bears, Bonbons, etc.). Plural Süßigkeiten means sweets/candy in general.
• Praline: Usually a filled chocolate creation, often considered higher quality than a simple Bonbon.
• Drops: Often used synonymously with Bonbon, sometimes specifically for hard, round candies.
• Pastille: Often a flat, pressed candy, frequently with a medicinal purpose (e.g., Halspastille - throat pastille).
• Zuckerl: Austrian/Bavarian term for Bonbon.

Remember: "Das Bonbon" is standard, "der Bonbon" is regionally limited.

🧠 Memory Aids for "Bonbon"

1. Article Mnemonic (Das vs. Der):

   Imagine: Das standard, neutral (neuter -> das) glass jar full of colourful candies. Only der nice man (masculine -> der) from Cologne calls it differently, because it's regionally common there.

2. Meaning Mnemonic:

   The word comes from French: "bon" means "good". So a Bonbon is something "good-good", a small, sweet delight. Double good = Bonbon! 🍬😋

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words:

• Bon Vivant: A person who enjoys a luxurious lifestyle (from French).
• Bonus: An extra payment or benefit.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt die Mutter ihren Sohn: "Fritzchen, warum isst du denn die Bonbons mit Papier?"
Sagt Fritzchen: "Aber Mama, du hast doch gesagt, ich soll sie nur mit Papier anfassen!" 😂

Translation:
The mother asks her son: "Fritzchen, why are you eating the candies with the wrapper on?"
Fritzchen says: "But Mom, you said I should only touch them with the wrapper!"

📜 Bonbon Poem

Ob das Bonbon, ob der Bonbon,
rund und süß, wie schön, wie bon!
Im Munde schmilzt es langsam hin,
ein kleiner, zuckriger Gewinn.
Rot, gelb, grün, in Farbenpracht,
hat schon oft uns froh gemacht.
Ein Trost, ein Lohn, ein kleiner Spaß,
man nimmt es gern, vergiss nie das!

Translation:
Whether 'das Bonbon', whether 'der Bonbon',
Round and sweet, how nice, how 'bon'!
In the mouth, it slowly melts away,
A small, sugary win for the day.
Red, yellow, green, in colourful splendour,
Has often made us happy and tender.
A comfort, a reward, a little fun,
You gladly take it, never forget this one!

🧩 Riddle Time

Ich bin klein und oft ganz bunt,
verschwinde süß in deinem Mund.
Mal hart, mal weich, mal mit Füllung fein,
manchmal helf' ich, wenn der Hals tut schrein'.
Ob "das" ob "der", man streitet's aus,
ich bin beliebt in jedem Haus.

Was bin ich?
(... Ein Bonbon)

Translation:
I am small and often colourful,
Disappearing sweetly in your mouth, so full.
Sometimes hard, sometimes soft, sometimes finely filled,
Sometimes I help when your throat has thrilled (with pain).
Whether 'das' or 'der', people argue it out,
I am popular in every house, no doubt.

What am I?
(... A Bonbon / candy / sweet)

✨ More about Bonbons

• Etymology: The word "Bonbon" comes from French. It's a reduplication (doubling) of "bon", which means "good". Originally likely baby talk for something tasty ("good-good").
• Variety: There's a huge variety: Fruchtbonbons (fruit candies), Karamellbonbons (caramel candies), Kräuterbonbons (herbal candies), Hustenbonbons (cough drops), gefüllte Bonbons (filled candies), zuckerfreie Bonbons (sugar-free candies), etc.
• Production: The basic mixture usually consists of boiled sugar (or substitutes), water, and glucose syrup, which is then flavoured, coloured, and shaped.