süße

Süße is a German word with several related uses. As an adjective, süß means "sweet" in taste, appearance, or demeanor. The feminine form Süße occurs in inflected compounds and as a noun. When used as a noun, die Süße can denote the quality of sweetness (the sweetness of a dessert) or, in poetic or colloquial context, a charming or kindly person. In everyday speech, Süße is also a common informal form of direct address toward a female, similar to "sweetie" or "darling" in English. Its usage is affectionate and intimate and typically reserved for partners, family members, or close friends; it can sound rude if used with strangers or in formal settings.

Etymology and cognates: Süße derives from the Germanic root for "sweet" and has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as Dutch zoet and English sweet.

Surname and onomastics: Süße is also a German surname. Like many surnames formed from adjectives, it may have originated from nicknames or descriptors of early bearers.

See also: Süßigkeit; süß; German terms of endearment.