Etymology

Old diminutive of Krume, which simplex is now less common. An originally Central and Low German word that has widely replaced the Upper German Brosamen in standard usage. From Middle High German (Central German) krume, reinforced by cognate Middle Low German krume, krōme. Cognate with English crumb. Also related to Dutch kruim, which goes back to a variant with an original long vowel, however.

The modern long vowel in Krümel is due to the levelling effect of Krume. The expected form would be *Krümmel since following -mel regularly blocked vowel lengthening in open syllables (compare Himmel). Pronunciations with a short vowel remain current in regional speech.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈkʁyːməl/ (standard)
• IPA^(key): /ˈkʁʏməl/ (regional, including western Germany)