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German Advent word of the day: Die Plätzchen

Kathrin Thams
Kathrin Thams - [email protected]
German Advent word of the day: Die Plätzchen
Photo: DPA

They come in all shapes, sizes and flavors. What, you ask, are we talking about? Of course cookies!

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Advent time in Germany is characterized by Christmas markets and Glühwein - but most importantly by Christmas cookies.

What does it mean?

"Plätzchen" translates to cookies or biscuits (but in a different context it can also refer to the spot where you are sitting).

Often these cookies have to be rolled out by a “Nudelholz” (literally translated to noodle wood, but it means rolling pin), and then cut into shapes by cookie cutters - or, as Germans would say, “Ausstechförmchen”.

But it does not just define any cookie. It usually specifically refers to Christmas cookies.

What is the history of the “Plätzchen”?

“Plätzchen” derives from “Platz” (its diminutive form) which here means a small, flat cake.

In the 18th century, only the wealthier social classes savoured “Plätzchen”, because only they could afford the expensive ingredients needed for these cookies. Sugar, cinnamon and cocoa powder were not affordable for the average person.

Up until the 19th century “Plätzchen” were considered a luxury. Only with the production of sugar from turnips was it accessible for other social classes.

And since it was still rather expensive for the common man, people would only bake “Plätzchen” for special occasions, such as Christmas.

What characterizes a German “Plätzchen”?

Many traditional Christmas cookies are in the form of a star which is a religious gesture and symbolic of the “Stern zu Bethlehem” (Star of Bethlehem).

But most people simply bake the cookies in the forms that they like.

There are a dozen varieties of “Ausstechförmchen” such as reindeer, hearts or boots (Saint Nikolaus’ boot).

And there are hundreds of different kinds, often with nuts, cinnamon, or candies fruit such as “Zitronat” (candied lemon peel) or “Orangat (candied orange peel).

The classic, well-known Christmas cookies are “Vanillekipferl” (vanilla crescent cookie), “Schwarz-Weiß-Gebäck” (black and white cookie, often in the form of a chess board), and “Elisenlebkuchen” (a special kind of gingerbread cookie).

Examples

“Mama, deine Plätzchen sind mal wieder köstlich!”

“Mom, your cookies are once again luscious!”

“Welche Plätzchen wollen wir heute in unserer Weihnachtsbäckerei backen?”

“Which cookies do you want to bake in our Christmas bakery today?”

 

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