Speak like a local – a guide to German slang
Slang adds colour to a language. While some debate its merit, the
truth is that everyone uses it to some extent. For non-native
speakers, knowing some of the most popular
slang terms can make following a conversation with a German
easier. Those attempting to use it themselves should bear in mind
that slang changes all the time. Using dated terms can sometimes
hinder communication rather than improving it.
For those enrolled on a German course with a provider such as
UIC Languages school is the best place to start picking up
slang. Many of these informal phrases are compound in nature and
therefore require a good starting vocabulary in order to better
understand them.
Alcohol
Beer has long been associated with Germany, with the European
Parliament recognizing the country’s brew as a ‘traditional
foodstuff’. The world famous Oktoberfest is the country’s annual
beer festival and attracts upwards of six million people.
| German |
English |
| Zischen |
Drinking |
| Ein Bier zischen |
Drinking a beer quickly
|
| Ein Herrenhandtäschchen |
Six pack |
| Vorglühen |
Drinking before going out |
Money
Germans mostly consider money as a provider of security, rather
than as a tool for lavish spending. Bargain hunting is something of
a national hobby and the rich are often ridiculed.
| German |
English |
| Bar auf die Kralle |
Receiving cash |
| Geiz ist geil! |
Being stingy is cool! |
| Ich bin auf pump/auf Stütze |
I'm on welfare/on the dole |
| Der reiche Sack |
Someone who’s loaded |
Health
Compared to the English, Germans are more concerned with their
health. This has spawned a wide range of slang concerned with bodily
functions.
| German |
English |
| Der After |
Anus, rectum |
| Der Hodensack |
Scrotum |
| Der Furz (Fürze) |
Fart |
| Die Brust |
Breast, chest |
Music
Germans have a famously innovative underground music scene that
has spawned everything from trance to EBM. As such, there are a wide
variety of slang terms used to describe music, as well as more
recognizable terms that have crossed over from English, such as DJ
etc.
| German |
English |
| Die Mucke |
Music |
| Das Brett |
Track |
| Voll der Hammer |
Wicked tune |
| Das Brett burnt |
This track is banging |
| Das ist megamäßig abgespaced |
This is out of this world |
| Scheiß Mucke |
Shit music |
| Das ist weichgespült |
Too middle-of-the-road |
For students studying with providers such as
UIC Languages German culture can seem difficult to understand at
first. Nevertheless, its appreciation is important for an eventual
understanding of the colourful slang phrases used by the country’s
populace.
