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German Phrase

Backe 10-12 Minuten.

/ˈbakə ˈtseːn bɪs ˈtsvœlf ˈmiːnuːtən/
Meaning"Bake for 10-12 minutes."
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Meaning

A short instruction telling someone to bake something for a period of ten to twelve minutes. The range allows for slight variations in oven temperature or the size of the baked item.

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When to use

Use this phrase in recipes, cooking videos, or when giving a quick verbal instruction in the kitchen. It is common in German cookbooks and on food‑related TV shows.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Backe10-12Minuten

1

Imperative of 'backen'

'Backe' is the du‑imperative form of the verb 'backen' (to bake). It is used for giving direct instructions.

2

Numeric range

The range '10-12' replaces the spoken 'zehn bis zwölf' and indicates a flexible time window.

3

Plural noun 'Minuten'

'Minuten' is the plural of 'Minute' and follows the numeric range without a preposition.

🗨In Conversation

A

Wie lange soll ich den Kuchen backen?

How long should I bake the cake?

Backe 10-12 Minuten.

Bake for 10–12 minutes.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Gebacken 10-12 Minuten.

    Use the imperative 'Backe', not the past participle 'gebacken'.

  • Backe für 10-12 Minuten.

    In German recipes the preposition 'für' is unnecessary before the time range.

  • Backe 10-12 Minute.

    Do not use the singular 'Minute' after a range; the plural is required.

↔Alternatives

  • Backen Sie für 10 bis 12 Minuten.

    Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

  • Backe etwa zehn bis zwölf Minuten.

    Bake about ten to twelve minutes.

  • Backe 10–12 Minuten.

    Bake 10–12 minutes.

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Cultural Tip

German recipes often give a time range instead of a single exact minute count, acknowledging that ovens differ in heat distribution. When you see a range, check the colour and firmness of the food as additional cues. Also, German cooking instructions usually omit the preposition 'für' before the time span, unlike English where 'for' is required.