ENGLISH
REFERENCE

copenhagen

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈkoʊpənˌhɑɡən// copen·hagen

n. a type of sweet pastry that is light and flaky, often filled with fruit or cream. It is similar to what many people call a Danish pastry.

n. a variety of laminated yeast-leavened pastry, typically filled with fruit, jam, or custard. Often used as a synonym for a Danish pastry in specific culinary contexts.


SIMPLE

I bought a fresh copenhagen for breakfast.

CONTEXTUAL

The bakery specializes in traditional Scandinavian treats, including a glazed copenhagen filled with almond paste.

COMPLEX

While the city is famous for its architecture, the local copenhagen remains a staple of the morning commute, prized for its delicate layers and rich buttery finish.

Synonyms
Origin

From Low German Kopenhagen, a calque (perhaps modified by folk etymology) of Danish København. See also chapman, haven.

Usage

When referring to the pastry, it is a countable noun; when referring to the capital city of Denmark, it is a proper noun and typically uncountable.

© 2026 English Reference