Do You Know the German Version of 'Patty Cake'? (2024)

How "Backe, backe Kuchen" Compares to "Pat-a-Cake"

These two nursery rhymes are similar, yet they are also different. They were both written for children and are folk songs that are naturally passed down from generation to generation. Each also talks about a baker, rhymes, and adds the personal touch of namingthe child who is singing it (or being sung to) in the end.

That is where the similarities end. "Pat-a-Cake" (also known as "Patty Cake") is more of a chant and, quite often, is a hand-clapping game between kids or a child and adult. "Backe, backe Kuchen" is an actual song and is quite a bit longer than its English counterpart.

'Pat-a-Cake" is almost 150 yearsolder than the German song as well. The first known rendition of the rhyme was in Thomas D'Urfey's 1698 comedy play, "The Campaigners." It was written down again in 1765's "Mother Goose Melody" where the words "patty cake" first appeared.

"Pat-a-Cake"

Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake,
Baker's man!
Bake me a cake
As fast as you can.

alternativeverse...
(So do I master,
As fast as I can.)

Pat it, and prick it,
And mark it with a T,
And put it in the oven,
For (child's name) and me.

Why Was Baking So Popular in Traditional Rhymes?

Two nursery rhymes develop in different parts of Europe over 100 years apart and they have become tradition. How did that happen?

If you think about it from a child's perspective, baking really is quite fascinating. Mom or grandma are in the kitchen mixing a bunch of random ingredients and after placing it into a hot oven, delicious breads, cakes, and other goodies come out. Now, place yourself in the simpler world of the 1600-1800's and the work of a baker becomes even more fascinating!

One must also think about the work of mothers during those times. Quite often, their days were spent cleaning, baking, and caring for their children and many entertained themselves and their kids with songs, rhymes, and other simple amusem*nts while they worked. It is only natural that some of the fun include the tasks they were doing.

Of course, it is completely possible that someone in Germany was inspired by "Pat-a-Cake" and created a similar tune. That, however, we will probably never know.