Löffel

Löffel is the German term for spoon, a utensil with a shallow bowl at the end of a handle used for scooping, stirring, and eating. In German cutlery nomenclature, common variants include Teelöffel (teaspoon), Kaffeelöffel (coffee spoon), Esslöffel or Suppenlöffel (tablespoon or soup spoon).

Spoons are produced in materials such as stainless steel, silver, wood, and plastic. Stainless steel is common for daily use; silverware is valued for tradition and aesthetics; wood and plastic are used for cooking or disposable settings. Designs vary by bowl size and handle length, optimized for the intended use (tea, coffee, soup, or serving).

Spoons have ancient origins; wooden and shell spoons appear in many cultures, while metal spoons emerged in antiquity. In Europe, spoons became standard cutlery in the Middle Ages and spread globally with modern dining practices. They are also used as measuring spoons in cooking, with standard sizes such as teaspoon and tablespoon.

Care: stainless steel spoons are dishwasher safe; silver spoons require polishing to prevent tarnish; wooden spoons should be dried promptly to avoid cracking. See also cutlery and utensil sections.