Learning a new language can be tricky, and it's even more challenging when you run into slang words in real-life that they don’t teach you anywhere.
If you're in Germany, you might feel a bit lost when locals use slang in everyday conversations. But getting to know these slang words and phrases is key to feeling more at home in Germany and connecting with the people there. Knowing how to use German slang can make hanging out with your German friends a lot more fun and help you fit in better.
In this blog post, you’ll learn the most commonly used German slang words and phrases that you'll hear in 2024. So you can start using slang in your chats and feel more like a local.
Why Learn German Slang?
Learning German slang is super important if you want to chat with locals like a native. Slang is all about those chill, everyday words and phrases that people use when they're hanging out or texting with their friends.
When you start throwing slang into your conversations, it shows you're really getting the hang of German and that you're immersed in the culture. It's a cool way to make friends and feel more at home in Germany. Plus, it's a fun peek into what life is really like there, beyond all the formal stuff.
Common German Slang Words And Phrases
1. Alter - Dude
"Alter" is a common slang term used among friends, similar to "dude" or "bro" in English. It's often used to express surprise or excitement, as in "Alter, das ist ja krass!" ("Dude, that's crazy!"). It's informal and should be used only in casual settings, not in formal or professional situations.
2. Krass - Awesome
"Krass" is used to describe something extreme or impressive, whether it's positive or negative. You might hear it in a sentence like "Das Konzert war echt krass!" ("The concert was really awesome!"). It's not considered rude, but it's best used among friends or in informal situations.
3. Quatsch - Nonsense
This word means "nonsense" and is used to dismiss something as silly or untrue. For example, "Das ist doch Quatsch!" ("That's nonsense!"). It's not rude, but it's a direct way to express disagreement or skepticism.
4. Stimmt - Right
"Stimmt" is a casual way to agree with someone, similar to saying "right" or "true" in English. You can use it in conversations like "Das Wetter ist heute schön, stimmt?" ("The weather is nice today, right?"). It's polite and can be used in both informal and semi-formal contexts.
5. Kumpel - Buddy
This word means "buddy" or "pal" and is used to refer to a close friend. It's similar to "mate" in English. For example, "Ich treffe mich später mit einem Kumpel" ("I'm meeting up with a buddy later"). It's informal and used in friendly, casual settings.
6. Moin - Hi
"Moin" is a friendly greeting, especially common in Northern Germany. It can be used at any time of the day, not just in the morning. For example, "Moin, wie geht's?" ("Hello, how are you?"). It's casual and widely accepted in informal situations.
7. Geil - Cool
"Geil" is used to express enthusiasm or admiration, similar to "cool" or "awesome" in English. For example, "Das Auto ist echt geil!" ("That car is really cool!"). While it's informal, it's not considered rude when used to describe things or situations.
8. Hammer - Amazing
This slang word is used to describe something that's amazing or impressive, as in "Die Party gestern war der Hammer!" ("The party yesterday was amazing!"). It's informal and best used among friends or in casual settings.
9. Bock haben - To be up for something
This phrase means "to be up for something" or "to feel like doing something." For example, "Hast du Bock, ins Kino zu gehen?" ("Do you feel like going to the cinema?"). It's casual and commonly used among younger people.
10. Abhängen - To hang out
"Abhängen" means "to hang out" and is used to talk about spending leisure time with friends. For example, "Wir können heute bei mir abhängen" ("We can hang out at my place today"). It's informal and best used in casual, friendly conversations.
11. Klar - Of course
"Klar" means "of course" or "sure" and is used to show agreement or confirmation. For example, "Kannst du mir helfen? Klar!" ("Can you help me? Sure!"). It's polite and can be used in both informal and formal contexts.
12. Labern - To chat
This slang term means "to babble" or "to chat" and is used to describe talking a lot, often without much substance. For example, "Hör auf zu labern und komm zur Sache!" ("Stop babbling and get to the point!"). It's informal and can be slightly derogatory, so it's best used carefully.
13. Tussi - Chick
"Tussi" is used to describe a woman who is very concerned with her appearance, similar to "chick" or "girly girl" in English. For example, "Sie ist so eine Tussi" ("She's such a girly girl"). It can be seen as derogatory, so use it with caution.
14. Schnapsidee - Crazy idea
This term means "crazy idea" and is used to describe an idea that's wild or unrealistic. For example, "Das ist doch eine Schnapsidee!" ("That's a crazy idea!"). It's not rude, but it's a way to express skepticism or disbelief.
15. Zocken - To game
"Zocken" is used to talk about playing video games. It's informal and widely used among gamers, as in "Ich zocke gerne am Wochenende" (I like to game on weekends).
16. Angeber - Bragger
Use "Angeber" to describe someone who brags or shows off. It's a negative term, so use it cautiously and in informal settings where you're comfortable with the people you're speaking with.
17. Fressen - To eat
"Fressen" is a casual or sometimes rude way to talk about eating, usually used for animals but can be used humorously among friends, as in "Ich habe so einen Hunger, ich könnte ein ganzes Schwein fressen!" (I'm so hungry, I could eat a whole pig!).
18. Pennen - To sleep
"Pennen" is used to talk about sleeping in a very casual way. It's not rude, but it's best used in informal situations, like "Ich muss jetzt pennen" (I need to sleep now).
19. Schickimicki - Stylish
"Schickimicki" is used to describe someone or something that's very stylish or upscale. It can be used humorously or critically, depending on the context.
20. Saufgelage - To drink
"Saufgelage" is used to describe a heavy drinking session or party. It's informal and should be used in contexts where discussing drinking is appropriate.
21. Assi - Low class
"Assi" is used to describe someone or something that's considered low-class or tacky. It's a derogatory term, so use it cautiously and in appropriate informal settings.
22. Knaller - Blast
"Knaller" is used to describe something that's really good or exciting, like "Die Show war ein echter Knaller!" (The show was a real blast!). It's positive and not considered rude.
23. Null Bock - Not interested
Use "Null Bock" to express a lack of motivation or interest in doing something, as in "Ich habe null Bock auf Hausaufgaben" (I can't be bothered with homework). It's informal and commonly used among younger people.
24. Verpeilt - Messy
Verpeilt" is used to describe someone who is disorganized or not thinking clearly. It's not overly rude, but it's best used in informal situations where you're comfortable with the people you're speaking with.
25. Heftig - Extreme
"Heftig" is used to describe something that's extreme or very impressive, like "Die Prüfung war echt heftig" (The exam was really intense). It's not considered rude and can be used in both positive and negative contexts.
26. Läuft bei dir - To have good luck
This phrase is used to acknowledge someone's success or good fortune, as in "Du hast einen neuen Job? Läuft bei dir!" (You got a new job? Things are going well for you!). It's informal and positive.
27. Spießer - Conventional
"Spießer" is used to describe someone who is very conventional or uptight. It's a critical term, so use it in informal settings where you're comfortable with the people you're speaking with.
28. Flennen - To cry
"Flennen" is used to talk about crying in a casual or sometimes mocking way, like "Hör auf zu flennen" (Stop crying). It's informal and should be used carefully to avoid offending someone.
29. Schnorrer - Exploiter
"Schnorrer" is used to describe someone who always asks for favors or lives off others. It's a negative term, so use it in appropriate informal contexts.
30. Stinknormal - Ordinary
Use "Stinknormal" to emphasize that something is completely normal or average, with no special features, as in "Das ist ein stinknormales Auto" (That's a totally ordinary car). It's not rude and can be used to downplay something's importance.
Tips for Using German Slang
Using German slang can make your chats sound more like you're a native speaker, but it's good to ease into it. Start by slipping in a slang word or phrase here and there where it feels right. Watch how people react and go from there. To get the hang of slang, watch lots of German movies, TV shows, and listen to German music.
This way, you'll see how slang fits into everyday talk and get a feel for the vibe. Hanging out with German speakers, whether at meetups or online, is also a great way to practice. Ask them about their go-to slang and try using it yourself.
Remember, learning slang isn't just about the words; it's about getting the culture too. So, don't stress over mistakes—they're all part of the journey.
Final Words
In conclusion, getting to know German slang is a game-changer for anyone looking to have a more authentic language experience. It's the secret tip that can take your conversations from textbook speech to native-like, making you feel more at home as an expat.
So, don't hesitate to use some slang words and phrases from this post into your chats. It's all about having fun with the language and connecting with people on a deeper level. Go ahead and give it a try—your German friends will be impressed, and you'll be one step closer to sounding like a local!
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