die  Schnitte

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃnɪtə/

🥪 What exactly is a 'Schnitte'?

The word die Schnitte primarily has two meanings in German:

• 🍞 A slice of bread: This is the most common meaning. It often refers to a slice of bread with butter or toppings. Common synonyms include Stulle or Bemme (regional).
  Example: Zum Frühstück esse ich gerne eine Schnitte mit Käse. (For breakfast, I like to eat a slice of bread with cheese.)
• 💁‍♀️ An attractive woman or girl (colloquial): This meaning is informal and, depending on the context and speaker, can be perceived as dated, matey, or slightly derogatory. ⚠️ Use with caution!
  Example (colloquial): „Wow, siehst du die Schnitte da drüben?“ ("Wow, do you see that looker over there?")

🚨 Important: Schnitte is also the plural form of der Schnitt (the cut, e.g., cuts in the skin, haircuts). However, in this entry, we focus on the feminine noun die Schnitte (singular).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of 'die Schnitte' in Detail

Die Schnitte is a feminine noun.

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

Example Sentences

1. Ich habe mir schnell eine Schnitte geschmiert.
   (I quickly made myself a slice of bread/sandwich.) (Meaning: slice of bread)
2. Bringst du mir bitte noch eine Schnitte mit Marmelade?
   (Could you please bring me another slice of bread with jam?) (Meaning: slice of bread)
3. Er nannte sie eine „flotte Schnitte“.
   (He called her a "hot number" / "good-looking girl".) (Meaning: attractive woman - colloquial, potentially problematic)
4. Für die Party haben wir viele leckere Schnitten vorbereitet.
   (We prepared many tasty sandwiches/slices for the party.) (Plural, Meaning: slices of bread)

💬 How to use 'die Schnitte'?

The usage of die Schnitte strongly depends on the context:

• In everyday life / Food: Referring to a slice of bread as 'die Schnitte' is completely normal and widespread, especially in Northern and Central Germany. You might hear Käseschnitte (cheese slice), Wurstschnitte (sausage slice), or simply 'ne Schnitte' (a slice).
• Colloquial language / Describing people: Calling a woman a 'Schnitte' is informal and typically belongs in spoken language among friends. It can easily come across as disrespectful, even if sometimes meant appreciatively. Its use is less common today than it used to be and can be perceived as sexist. ⚠️
• Distinction from 'der Schnitt': Be careful not to confuse 'die Schnitte' (slice of bread, woman) with 'der Schnitt' (the cut, haircut, average), whose plural is also 'die Schnitte'. The article and context make the difference clear.

💡 Mnemonics for 'die Schnitte'

For the article 'die': Think of 'she' (similar sound to 'die' in some accents, or just remember 'she' is feminine) who eats a slice of bread. Or: Picture 'Dee' (a woman's name) cutting die Schnitte.

For the meanings: You cut a Schnitte (slice) of bread. The colloquial 'Schnitte' (woman) might be considered 'a tasty dish' or 'eye candy' – linking it back to the food meaning (but be cautious with this association!). The word itself sounds like 'snippet', a small piece cut off something.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Risk of Confusion

As mentioned before: der Schnitt (singular, masculine) means cut, haircut, average, etc. Its plural is 'die Schnitte', but the singular has a different article and meaning.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat die Schnitte geweint?
Weil ihr Freund, der Laib, sie verlassen hat!

(Why did the slice of bread cry?
Because her boyfriend, the loaf, left her!)

✍️ Poem about 'die Schnitte'

Ob mit Wurst, ob mit Käse fein,
Eine Schnitte muss es sein.
Zum Frühstück, Abend, jederzeit,
Macht sie Magen und Herz bereit.

Manchmal hört man's auf der Gasse,
„Schau mal hin, die flotte Klasse!“
Doch sei mit Worten stets bedacht,
Nicht jede 'Schnitte' drüber lacht.

(Whether fine with sausage or with cheese,
A Schnitte it must be, if you please.
For breakfast, evening, any time,
It gets the stomach and heart in prime.

Sometimes you hear it on the street,
"Look there, that classy, snappy treat!"
But always choose your words with care,
Not every 'Schnitte' laughs when you stare.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich lieg' auf dem Teller, oft mit Belag,
Bin Teil des Brotes, jeden Tag.
Manchmal nennt man auch ein Mädchen so,
Doch sei da vorsichtig, sowieso!

Was bin ich?

(I lie on the plate, often with toppings,
Part of the bread, my journey stoppings.
Sometimes a girl is called this name,
But be careful with that little game!

What am I?)

Solution: die Schnitte

More about 'die Schnitte'

Word Origin

The word Schnitte derives directly from the verb schneiden (to cut). It originally denoted something cut off, specifically a slice from a loaf of bread.

Regional Variants

While 'Schnitte' is widely understood, you'll often hear regional alternatives for 'slice of bread':

• Stulle: Especially in Berlin and Brandenburg.
• Bemme: Primarily used in Saxony.
• Knifte: Common in the Ruhr area and parts of Northern Germany.