Deutsche Wendungen

Redewendungen und feste Verbindungen - Bedeutung und Herkunft.

1040 Wendungen

ab und zunow and then / occasionally
abcheckento check out, size up (a place, a person, a situation)
abgefucktmessed up, run-down, wrecked (crude; of places, moods or people)
abhängento hang out, chill, do nothing (with friends)
abhauento clear off, run away (informal, not rude)
Abhilfe schaffento remedy the situation / to provide relief
Abstand gewinnento gain distance / to step back
Abstand nehmen vonto refrain from / to distance oneself from
abzockento rip off, fleece someone
Akhi'my brother' - a close friend who is 'like a brother'
alle Brücken hinter sich abbrechento burn all one's bridges
alle Hände voll zu tun habento have one's hands full; to be very busy
allemalany day / by far / certainly
aller guten Dinge sind dreiall good things come in threes; third time's the charm
alles für bare Münze nehmento take everything at face value; to believe naively as literally true
alles in Buttereverything's fine; all good
alles klarall good / got it
Almanstereotypical (über-)German person; spießig, rule-obsessed (ironic, often self-mocking)
Alterdude!, man! (exclamation of surprise/shock; also a peer address)
Aluhut'tinfoil hat' - derogatory label for a conspiracy theorist
am Wochenendeon the weekend
anbaggernto hit on someone (informal, slightly crude)
Anerkennung zollento pay tribute to / to acknowledge with respect
angesichtsin view of / given (formal)
Angst haben vorto be afraid of
Anklang findento meet with approval / to go down well
Anstoß nehmen anto take offence at / to take exception to
Anwendung findento be applied / to find application
Aschemoney, cash (colloquial; lit. 'ash', synonym of 'Kohle')
Atzebuddy, mate / 'bro' (friendly Berlin-area address; also 'big brother')
auf Anhiebstraight away / at the first attempt
auf dem Holzweg seinto be barking up the wrong tree / to be mistaken
auf dem Laufenden bleibento stay up to date
auf dem Laufenden seinto be up to date / informed
auf dem Schlauch stehento be stumped; to not get it for a moment
auf den Busch klopfento sound out / to fish for information
auf den ersten Blickat first glance / at first sight
auf den Leim gehento fall for it; to be taken in
auf den neuesten Stand bringento bring up to date / to update
auf den Plan rufento bring onto the scene / to provoke (a response)
auf den Punkt bringento get to the point / to sum up precisely
auf der Hand liegento be obvious / to be self-evident
auf der Kippe stehento hang in the balance / to be touch and go
auf die lange Bank schiebento put off / to keep postponing
auf die Probe stellento put to the test
auf eigene Fauston one's own / off one's own bat
auf einmalall of a sudden / at once
auf jedendefinitely (short for „auf jeden Fall“)
auf jeden Falldefinitely / in any case
auf jemanden stehento fancy someone, be into someone
auf keinen Fallno way / under no circumstances
Auf Lockeasy / no problem; relaxed, casually (short for 'auf locker')
auf meinen Nackenmy treat; I'll pay / I've got it (lit. 'on my neck')
auf Sand gebaut seinto be built on sand / to rest on shaky ground
auf Wiedersehengoodbye (formal)
Aufmerksamkeit schenkento pay attention to / to give attention
Aufschluss geben überto shed light on / to provide information about
Aufsehen erregento cause a stir / to attract attention
Auracharisma/vibe scored in points; cool acts earn '+1000 Aura', cringe loses it
aus allen Wolken fallento be utterly astonished / thunderstruck
aus dem Nähkästchen plaudernto reveal private/intimate details; to let others in on inside stories
aus diesem Grundfor this reason
aus einer Mücke einen Elefanten machento make a mountain out of a molehill; to greatly exaggerate something trivial
aus meiner Sichtfrom my point of view
Ausdruck verleihento give expression to
ausrastento lose it, flip out
außer Acht lassento disregard / to leave out of account
außer Frage stehento be beyond question
bababye (Austria, informal) - often as „Bussi, baba“
Baboboss, leader, chief
Bahnhofskinoa wild/lurid spectacle; a chaotic scene (jocular; lit. 'station cinema')
basedbased; admirably true to oneself, unbothered by others' opinions (approving internet slang)
Bauklötze staunento be utterly amazed; to gawp in astonishment
Beachtung schenkento pay attention to / to heed
Bedenken äußernto voice concerns / to express reservations
bei Licht(e) betrachteton closer inspection / when you really look at it
beileibe nichtby no means / certainly not
Berücksichtigung findento be taken into account
Bescheid gebento give (someone) word / inform
Bescheid sagento let (someone) know
Bescheid wissento be informed / to know about something
Bestand habento endure / to last
Bezug nehmen aufto refer to
Bilanz ziehento take stock / to draw a balance
bis baldsee you soon
bitte schönhere you are / you're welcome
blau seinto be drunk, plastered, smashed
blauäugig seinto be naive, starry-eyed or credulous
blaumachento skip work or school; to play hooky, take an unexcused day off
blechento fork out, pay reluctantly
Bock habento be up for something; 'keinen Bock' = not in the mood / can't be bothered
bodenlosunbelievable, outrageous, beyond the pale (intensifier, usually negative; top-3 2022)
Boomerboomer; an out-of-touch older person (mocking, from 'OK Boomer')
Bratanbro, buddy, mate (friendly term of address)
Bratwursta clumsy/useless person (jocular insult; lit. 'fried sausage')
Brebro, man, mate (address for a friend)
breit seinto be wasted (drunk or high; informal)
Brobro; mate, buddy (friendly address; also wry third-person 'this guy')
Bruhbro / ugh (interjection of disbelief, disappointment or secondhand embarrassment)
cancelnto cancel; to publicly boycott/shun someone (anglicism, often loaded)
Capcap; a lie / 'no cap' = no lie, for real (anglicism from US rap slang)
checkento understand / get it (youth slang); colloquially also 'to check, verify'
Checkst duyou get it?, you following? (filler to confirm the other person understands; top-3 2025)
Chefboss - also as a friendly address to a stranger (at a kiosk, a taxi)
chillento relax, chill, take it easy
cringeembarrassing, cringeworthy; also secondhand embarrassment (Fremdscham)
Çüşwhoa!, no way! (exclamation of astonishment or disgust; also spelled 'Tschüsch')
da bin ich anderer MeinungI disagree / I have a different opinion
da liegt der Hund begrabenthat's the crux of the matter; that's where the problem lies
danke schönthank you very much
das A und Othe essential thing; the be-all and end-all
das Achterlan eighth of a litre of wine (Austria) - the standard glass
das Beislsmall pub, tavern (Austria) - standard German: die Kneipe
das Beuschellung-and-heart ragout (Austria) - a classic of Viennese cuisine
das Blaue vom Himmel versprechento promise the moon; to make impossible promises
das Büdchenkiosk (Rhineland) - Ruhr: die Bude/Trinkhalle, Berlin: der Späti
das Bussikiss on the cheek (Austria, Bavaria) - standard German: das Küsschen
das Bützchencarnival kiss on the cheek (Cologne)
Das crazywow / huh, okay (often ironic filler phrase signalling polite, disengaged 'whatever')
das Duvetduvet (Switzerland) - Germany: die Bettdecke, Austria: die Tuchent
das Faschierteminced meat (Austria) - standard German: das Hackfleisch
das FranzbrötchenHamburg's cinnamon pastry - flat, buttery, unknown elsewhere
das Fremdschämensecond-hand embarrassment - a German word English had to borrow the concept of
das fünfte Rad am Wagen seinto be a fifth wheel; to be superfluous
das geht auf keine Kuhhautthat's beyond belief; that's outrageous
das Geld zum Fenster hinauswerfento throw money out the window; to waste money
das Gipfelicroissant (Switzerland) - Austria: das Kipferl, Germany: das Hörnchen
das Glaceice cream (Switzerland) - standard German: das Eis
das Grätzlneighbourhood, city quarter (Vienna) - Berlin: der Kiez
das Gsälzjam (Swabia) - standard German: die Marmelade
das Guetzlibiscuit, cookie (Switzerland) - standard German: der Keks, das Plätzchen
das Handtuch werfento throw in the towel; to give up
das Handymobile phone (Germany, Austria) - Switzerland: das Natel; not English 'handy'
das Handy-Verbotnote: Switzerland says „Natel“ where Germany and Austria say „Handy“
das Heft in der Hand haltento be in control / to hold the reins
das heißtthat is to say / in other words
das Hemd ist mir näher als der Rockone's own interests come first; charity begins at home
das Hendlroast chicken (Bavaria, Austria) - standard German: das Hähnchen
das ist mir egalI don't care / it's all the same to me
das ist mir WurstI couldn't care less; it's all the same to me
das ist nicht mein Bierthat's not my problem; that's none of my business
das Kastlsmall cupboard, box (Austria, colloquial) - diminutive of Kasten
das Kennzeichennumber plate (Austria, Germany) - Switzerland: das Kontrollschild
das Kind beim Namen nennento call a spade a spade; to name things plainly
das Kind mit dem Bade ausschüttento throw the baby out with the bathwater
das Kipferlcrescent-shaped pastry (Austria) - the ancestor of the croissant
das KölschCologne's beer - and the name of the local dialect
das kommt darauf anthat depends
das Kriegsbeil begrabento bury the hatchet; to make peace, end a quarrel
das Krügerlhalf a litre of beer (Austria) - Germany: die Halbe, Bavaria also: die Maß (a litre)
das macht nichtsthat doesn't matter / no worries
das Memememe - pronounced „mihm“ in German
das Müeslimuesli (Switzerland) - the Swiss spelling of the German „Müsli“
das Muggeseggelea tiny amount (Swabia) - the smallest Swabian unit of measurement
das Nastuchhandkerchief (Switzerland) - standard German: das Taschentuch
das Natelmobile phone (Switzerland) - standard German: das Handy
das Nüsslisalat-Beispiellamb's lettuce is „Nüsslisalat“ (CH), „Feldsalat“ (DE), „Vogerlsalat“ (AT)
das Oberscream (Austria) - standard German: die Sahne
das Perronrailway platform (Switzerland) - standard German: der Bahnsteig
das Pferd von hinten aufzäumento go about something the wrong way; to start at the wrong end
das Pickerlsticker; specifically the annual roadworthiness badge (Austria)
das Portemonnaiewallet, purse (Switzerland, also Germany) - Austria: die Geldtasche/Brieftasche
das Postautothe yellow Swiss coach service - public transport into every valley
das Pouletchicken (as meat; Switzerland) - standard German: das Hähnchen
das Radlerbeer with lemonade - north: Alsterwasser, Berlin: Berliner Weisse is something else
das Retourbillettreturn ticket (Switzerland) - standard German: die Rückfahrkarte
das Rüeblicarrot (Switzerland) - standard German: die Karotte, die Möhre
das Rundstückbread roll (Hamburg) - standard German: das Brötchen
das Rüstmesserparing knife (Switzerland) - from „rüsten“, to prepare vegetables
das Sackerl(small) bag (Austria) - standard German: die Tüte
das Sackgeldpocket money (Switzerland) - standard German: das Taschengeld
das Schäufeleroast pork shoulder (Franconia) - a different cut in Baden
das Schietwetterfoul weather (northern Germany) - literally 'shit weather', but mild
das Schlagoberswhipped cream (Austria) - standard German: die Schlagsahne
das Schnäppchena bargain
das schwarze Schaf seinto be the black sheep; the odd one out
das Seidel0.3 litre glass of beer (Austria)
das Spitalhospital (Austria, Switzerland) - Germany: das Krankenhaus
das stimmt nichtthat's not true
das Techtelmechtela fling, a dalliance (playful, slightly dated)
das Trottoirpavement, sidewalk (Switzerland) - standard German: der Bürgersteig
das Velobicycle (Switzerland) - standard German: das Fahrrad
das Velo abschliessento lock the bike - Swiss spelling without ß, and „Velo“ instead of „Fahrrad“
das Velofahrencycling (Switzerland) - Germany: Fahrradfahren, Austria: Radfahren
das Vorzimmerhallway, entrance hall of a flat (Austria) - standard German: der Flur
das Wasser mit Sprudelsparkling water - south: Sprudel, Hesse: Selters, north: Mineralwasser/Sprudelwasser
das Weckerlsmall bread roll, bread stick (Austria)
das Zeugstuff (neutral, extremely common)
das Zmorgebreakfast (Switzerland) - standard German: das Frühstück
das Znachtdinner, evening meal (Switzerland) - standard German: das Abendessen
das Znünimid-morning snack (Switzerland) - literally 'at nine'
das Znüni-Brotthe sandwich taken to school or work (Switzerland)
das Znüni-Kafithe coffee with the morning snack - „Kafi“ is the Swiss spelling
das Zuckerlsweet, candy (Austria) - Germany: das Bonbon, Switzerland: das Täfeli
das Zünglein an der Waage seinto tip the scales / to be the decisive factor
das Zvieriafternoon snack (Switzerland) - literally 'at four'
dastehen wie der Ochs vorm Bergto stand there helplessly/cluelessly, not knowing what to do
Deluludelulu; delightfully delusional, lost in wishful thinking (playful internet slang)
den Anschein erweckento give the semblance / to create the appearance
den Bock zum Gärtner machento set the fox to guard the henhouse
den Boden bereitento prepare the ground / to set the stage
den Braten riechento smell a rat / to see what's coming
den Eindruck erweckento give the impression
den Faden verlierento lose one's train of thought
den Faden wieder aufnehmento pick up the thread again
den Gürtel enger schnallento tighten one's belt; to economise and cut back
den inneren Schweinehund überwindento overcome one's weaker self; to beat one's inner couch potato
den Kopf hängen lassento lose heart; to be discouraged or despondent
den Kopf hinhaltento take the blame/responsibility (often for someone else); to carry the can
den Kopf in den Sand steckento bury one's head in the sand; to avoid reality
den Kopf zerbrechento rack one's brains
den Kürzeren ziehento come off worse / to draw the short straw
den Löffel abgebento kick the bucket; to die
den Mantel des Schweigens breiten überto draw a veil over
den Nagel auf den Kopf treffento hit the nail on the head
den Nerv treffento strike a chord / to touch a nerve
den roten Faden verlierento lose the thread
den Stier bei den Hörnern packento take the bull by the horns
den Tatsachen ins Auge sehento face the facts
den Teufel an die Wand malento imagine the worst / to tempt fate
den Ton angebento call the tune / to set the tone
den Überblick behaltento keep track / to stay on top of things
den Überblick verlierento lose track / to lose the overview
den Vogel abschießento outdo everyone (take the prize); also ironically, to do something spectacularly stupid
den Weg ebnento pave the way
deppertsilly, stupid (Austria, Bavaria) - standard German: blöd, dumm
der Absackernightcap, the last drink of the evening
der Abwartcaretaker, janitor (Switzerland) - standard German: der Hausmeister
der Angebershow-off, braggart
der Ankenbutter (Swiss German, traditional) - standard German: die Butter
der Apfel fällt nicht weit vom Stammthe apple doesn't fall far from the tree (children resemble their parents)
der Bangera banger, an outstanding track (music)
der Beefbeef, an ongoing feud (English loan, from rap)
der Bembelthe grey-blue stoneware jug for apple wine (Hesse)
der blaue Briefan official warning letter - esp. a school notice of failing grades, or a dismissal notice
der Bonzerich snob, fat cat (disparaging)
der Broilerroast chicken (eastern Germany) - west: das Brathähnchen
der Bubboy (south, Austria, Switzerland) - standard German: der Junge
der Camionlorry, truck (Switzerland) - standard German: der Lastwagen
der Cervelatthe Swiss national sausage - grilled at every barbecue
der Coiffeurhairdresser (Switzerland) - standard German: der Friseur
der Ebbelwoiapple wine (Hesse) - standard German: der Apfelwein
der Eierkuchenpancake (east, north) - south: der Pfannkuchen; in Berlin „Pfannkuchen“ is a doughnut
der Erdapfelpotato (Austria) - standard German: die Kartoffel
der Erdapfelsalatpotato salad (Austria) - dressed with vinegar and stock, not mayonnaise
der Estrichattic, loft (Switzerland) - in Germany „Estrich“ is a floor screed
der Fahrschein / die Fahrkarte / das Billettticket - Germany: Fahrschein/Fahrkarte, Switzerland: Billett, Austria: Fahrschein
der Faila fail, a blunder (English loan)
der FaschingsdienstagShrove Tuesday (Austria, Bavaria) - Rhineland: Veilchendienstag/Fastnachtsdienstag
der FeberFebruary (Austria, official usage) - standard German: der Februar
der Feierabendthe end of the working day - a German concept with no English equivalent
der Ferialjobholiday job (Austria) - standard German: der Ferienjob
der Feudelfloor cloth (northern Germany) - standard German: der Wischlappen
der frühe Vogel fängt den Wurmthe early bird catches the worm
der Fuffia fifty (50-euro note; informal)
der Gehsteigpavement (Austria) - Germany: der Bürgersteig, Switzerland: das Trottoir
der Grantlergrumbler (Bavaria) - grumbling as a recognised character type
der Greißlersmall corner shop (Austria) - largely disappeared, the word survives
der Gspritztewine spritzer (Austria) - wine with sparkling water
der Hacklermanual worker (Austria) - from „hackeln“, to graft
der Hafenpot (Austria, regional) - as in „Häferl“, a mug; not only a harbour
der Hausflurstairwell - north: Flur/Hausflur, south: Gang, Austria: Stiegenhaus
der Heurigewine tavern serving the year's new wine (Austria) - also the wine itself
der JännerJanuary (Austria) - standard German: der Januar
der Jeckcarnival reveller, fool (Rhineland) - „jeck“ also means daft
der Kaffee verkehrtcoffee with more milk than coffee (Austria) - one of many Viennese coffee names
der Kantoncanton - Switzerland's 26 member states, the equivalent of a Bundesland
der Karfiolcauliflower (Austria) - standard German: der Blumenkohl
der Kastenwardrobe, cupboard (Austria) - standard German: der Schrank
der Kehrichthousehold rubbish (Switzerland) - standard German: der Müll
der Kiesmoney (informal) - literally 'gravel'
der Kiezneighbourhood (Berlin, Hamburg) - Vienna: das Grätzl
der Klassenvorstandform teacher (Austria) - standard German: der Klassenlehrer
der Kollegemate, pal (as a form of address to a stranger; not only a work colleague)
der Kondukteurtrain conductor (Switzerland) - standard German: der Schaffner / Zugbegleiter
der Korba rejection - „einen Korb bekommen“ is to be turned down
der Kramstuff, junk (dismissive)
der Krapfendoughnut (Austria, Bavaria) - Berlin: Pfannkuchen, north: Berliner, Hesse: Kreppel
der Krenhorseradish (Austria, Bavaria) - standard German: der Meerrettich
der Kukuruzmaize, sweetcorn (Austria) - standard German: der Mais
der Kumpelmate, buddy - from mining, where it meant a fellow miner
der Landeshauptmannhead of an Austrian federal state - Germany: der Ministerpräsident
der Leberkäsemeatloaf sold hot by the slice (Austria, Bavaria) - contains neither liver nor cheese
der Lenkerdriver (Austria, official language) - standard German: der Fahrer
der Lohnsalary (Switzerland) - Germany distinguishes Lohn (wages) from Gehalt (salary)
der Meldezettelresidence registration form (Austria) - Germany: die Anmeldebestätigung
der Metzgerbutcher (south and west) - north: der Schlachter, east: der Fleischer
der Mistkübelrubbish bin (Austria) - Germany: der Mülleimer, Switzerland: der Kehrichteimer
der Noobnoob, beginner (mildly mocking, gaming)
der ObazdaBavarian cheese spread - camembert, butter, paprika, onion
der Oberwaiter (Austria, traditional address) - „Herr Ober“ in a coffee house
der Paradeisertomato (Austria) - standard German: die Tomate
der Polsterpillow (Austria) - standard German: das Kissen
der Pottthe Ruhr area (colloquial); also: pot, mug (northern Germany)
der Powidlplum butter (Austria); also: „das ist mir powidl“ = I couldn't care less
der Präsenzdienstcompulsory military service (Austria) - Germany suspended its own in 2011
der Professorsecondary school teacher (Austria) - not only a university professor
der Radiwhite radish (Bavaria) - standard German: der Rettich
der Rahmcream (Switzerland, southern Germany) - standard German: die Sahne
der Randebeetroot (Switzerland) - standard German: die Rote Bete
der Rechner / der Computercomputer - „Rechner“ is the everyday German alternative, unusual in Austria/Switzerland
der Reibekuchenpotato fritter - Rhineland: Reibekuchen, north/east: Kartoffelpuffer, Bavaria: Reiberdatschi
der Rotkohlred cabbage - north: Rotkohl, south: Blaukraut, Austria: Rotkraut
der Schlaumeiersmart alec (mocking but affectionate)
der SchmähViennese charm, banter, also: a trick (Austria)
der Schmarrnnonsense (Bavaria, Austria); also: Kaiserschmarrn, the shredded pancake
der Schnorrerscrounger, someone always asking for things
der Schuppena place, a joint (of a bar or club; informal) - literally 'shed'
der Schwarmcrush (the person you have a crush on)
der Semmelknödel / der Kloßdumpling - south: Knödel, north and Thuringia: Kloß
der Sesselchair (Austria) - in Germany „Sessel“ is an armchair, and a plain chair is „Stuhl“
der SonnabendSaturday (northern and eastern Germany) - standard German: der Samstag
der Spätilate-night corner shop (Berlin) - from „Spätkauf“
der Spinnernutcase, crank (mildly rude)
der Staubzuckericing sugar (Austria) - standard German: der Puderzucker
der Streberswot, over-eager student (mocking)
der Sturmpartly fermented grape must, drunk in autumn (Austria)
der Töffmotorbike (Switzerland, colloquial) - standard German: das Motorrad
der Topfenquark, curd cheese (Austria) - standard German: der Quark
der Vogerlsalatlamb's lettuce (Austria) - Germany: Feldsalat, Switzerland: Nüsslisalat
der Weckbread roll (Baden, Palatinate, Franconia) - Swabia: das Weckle
der Znüni-Haltthe mid-morning break at work (Switzerland)
der Zofftrouble, a row (informal)
der Zopfbraided bread (Switzerland) - the Sunday breakfast bread
der Zuckerlsweet, candy (Austria) - Germany: das Bonbon, Switzerland: das Täfeli
Deutsch sprechento speak German
die Abstimmungreferendum (Switzerland) - held several times a year on real legislation
die AHVSwiss state pension (Alters- und Hinterlassenenversicherung)
die Apfelsineorange (north) - south: die Orange
die Autobahnabfahrtmotorway exit - Austria: Abfahrt/Ausfahrt, Switzerland: Ausfahrt
die Beine in die Hand nehmento leg it; to run off quickly
die Bemmeslice of bread with topping (Saxony) - Berlin: die Stulle
die Bimtram (Vienna, colloquial) - standard German: die Straßenbahn
die Brezelpretzel - Bavaria: die Breze, Swabia: die Brezel/Bretzel, Austria: die Brezn
die Brotzeitcold snack meal (Bavaria) - bread, sausage, cheese, radish, beer
die Buchtelsweet yeast bun (Austria, from Bohemia)
die Budekiosk, snack stand (Ruhr area) - also: one's own flat, colloquially
die Confijam (Switzerland) - standard German: die Marmelade / Konfitüre
die Datscheweekend cottage, allotment house (eastern Germany)
die Daumen drückento keep one's fingers crossed; to wish someone luck
die Deerngirl (northern Germany) - standard German: das Mädchen
die E-Cardthe Austrian health insurance card - what you hand over at the surgery
die erste Geige spielento call the tune; to play first fiddle
die Fastnacht / Karneval / Faschingcarnival - Rhineland: Karneval, south-west: Fastnacht/Fasnet, Bavaria and Austria: Fasching
die Fisolengreen beans (Austria) - standard German: grüne Bohnen
die Flinte ins Korn werfento give up; to throw in the sponge
die Friedenspfeife rauchento smoke the peace pipe; to reconcile after a dispute
die Frikadellemeat patty - Berlin: Bulette, Bavaria: Fleischpflanzerl, Swabia: Fleischküchle, Austria: faschiertes Laibchen
die Geduld verlierento lose patience
die Gemeindemunicipality (Switzerland) - the level of government that runs daily life
die Germyeast (Austria) - standard German: die Hefe
die Glaceice cream (Switzerland) - standard German: das Eis
die Golatschefilled pastry square (Austria, from Bohemia)
die Grie SossFrankfurt's green sauce - seven herbs, served cold
die Hände in den Schoß legento remain idle; to sit back and do nothing
die Hände über dem Kopf zusammenschlagento be horrified or dismayed; to throw up one's hands in shock
die Härdöpfelpotatoes (Swiss German) - literally 'earth apples', like Austria's Erdäpfel
die Hosen anhabento wear the trousers; to be in charge
die Hosen voll habento be scared stiff; to be terrified
die Initiativepopular initiative (Switzerland) - 100,000 signatures put a change to the vote
die Jausesnack, light meal between meals (Austria)
die Jause zahlento pay the bill for the snack - „zahlen“ is what you say to the waiter in Austria
die Jausenstationmountain snack stop (Austria) - a small inn on a hiking trail
die Kaisersemmelkaiser roll - the classic Austrian bread roll with the five-fold star
die Kärwaparish fair (Franconia) - standard German: die Kirchweih
die Katze aus dem Sack lassento let the cat out of the bag
die Katze im Sack kaufento buy a pig in a poke; to buy something sight unseen
die Kaufhallesupermarket (eastern Germany) - west: der Supermarkt
die Kehrwochethe rota for cleaning the shared parts of a building (Swabia)
die Kirche im Dorf lassento keep things in perspective; not to overdo it
die Kirmesfunfair (west and centre) - south: die Kirchweih/Kerwe, Bavaria/Austria: der Kirtag / die Dult, north: der Jahrmarkt
die Kistea box - colloquially a car, a bed, or an old computer
die Klamottenclothes, gear (informal, very common)
die Knetecash, dough (informal) - literally 'modelling clay'
die Kuh vom Eis holento resolve a tricky situation; to sort things out
die Kurve kratzento make oneself scarce; to clear off
die Kurzea short, a shot of spirits
die Lehreapprenticeship (Switzerland, Austria, Germany) - but in Switzerland the default path
die Marilleapricot (Austria) - standard German: die Aprikose
die Marille im Glasapricot in a jar - Austrian jam labels say Marille where German ones say Aprikose
die Marmeladejam - in Austria „Marmelade“ is used for all fruit; the EU rule reserving it for citrus was amended for Austria
die Maßa litre of beer (Bavaria) - the Oktoberfest measure; note: „die“ Maß
die Maturaschool-leaving exam (Austria, Switzerland: also „Matur“) - Germany: das Abitur
die MaultascheSwabian filled pasta pocket - nicknamed „Herrgottsbscheißerle“
die Mehlspeisesweet dish, dessert made from flour (Austria) - a whole category German lacks
die Melanzaniaubergine, eggplant (Austria) - standard German: die Aubergine
die Möhrecarrot - north: Möhre, west: Karotte, Swabia: gelbe Rübe, Switzerland: Rüebli
die Mollea glass of beer (Berlin, dated but alive in „Molle mit Korn“)
die Nase voll habento be fed up; to have had enough
die Nervensägepain in the neck (literally 'nerve saw')
die Oberhand gewinnento gain the upper hand
die Ohren auf Durchzug stellento deliberately not listen; to let it go in one ear and out the other
die Ohren spitzento prick up one's ears; to listen closely
die Ordinationdoctor's surgery (Austria) - standard German: die Arztpraxis
die Palatschinkethin pancake (Austria) - standard German: der Pfannkuchen (Crêpe-style)
die Peperonibell pepper (Switzerland) - in Germany „Peperoni“ is a small hot chilli
die Plasteplastic (eastern Germany) - west: das Plastik
die Radieschen von unten betrachtento be dead and buried; to push up the daisies (jocular)
die Randebeetroot (Switzerland) - standard German: die Rote Bete
die Rechnung bittethe bill, please
die Ribiselcurrant (Austria) - standard German: die Johannisbeere
die Röstifried grated potato cake (Switzerland) - also gives the „Röstigraben“
die Sau rauslassento let one's hair down; to party hard
die Sausea bender, a big night out (slightly dated, affectionate)
die Schalecup (of coffee; Austria) - „eine Schale Gold“ is a coffee with milk
die Schoggichocolate (Switzerland, colloquial) - standard German: die Schokolade
die Schorlejuice or wine mixed with sparkling water - „die“ or „das“ depending on region
die Schrippebread roll (Berlin) - standard German: das Brötchen
die Schularbeitwritten class test (Austria) - standard German: die Klassenarbeit
die Semmelbread roll (Austria, Bavaria) - standard German: das Brötchen
die Semmel oder das Brötchen?the bread roll map: Brötchen (north/west), Semmel (south/AT), Schrippe (Berlin), Weck (SW), Rundstück (HH)
die Semmelbröselbreadcrumbs (Austria) - standard German: das Paniermehl
die Semmelknödel / der Kloßdumpling - south: Knödel, north and Thuringia: Kloß
die SpätzleSwabian egg noodles - scraped from the board into boiling water
die Spendierhosen anhabento be in a generous mood; to be willing to treat others
die Spreu vom Weizen trennento separate the wheat from the chaff
die Stangesmall glass of beer, about 0.3 l (Switzerland)
die Stiegestairs, staircase (Austria) - standard German: die Treppe
die Stirn bietento stand up to / to defy
die Strassestreet (Switzerland) - Swiss standard German has no ß at all
die Stulleslice of bread with topping (Berlin, east) - standard German: das Butterbrot
die Suppe auslöffelnto face the music / to clean up one's own mess
die Trafiktobacconist's, newsstand (Austria)
die Trafikantinthe person running a Trafik (Austria) - tobacconist and newsagent in one
die Tuchentduvet (Austria) - Germany: die Bettdecke, Switzerland: das Duvet
die Tütebag (Germany) - Austria: das Sackerl, Switzerland: der Sack
die Tüte Milchcarton of milk - a reminder that Tüte (DE), Sackerl (AT) and Sack (CH) all differ
die Übersicht behaltento keep an overview / to stay on top of things
die Vignettemotorway toll sticker (Austria, Switzerland) - required on every motorway
die Weichen stellento set the course / to lay the groundwork
die Wiesnthe Oktoberfest (Munich) - from „Theresienwiese“, the meadow it is held on
die Würfel sind gefallenthe die is cast; the decision is final and irreversible
die Zeche zahlento bear the (unpleasant) consequences; to foot the bill, often for what others caused
die Zelte abbrechento pull up stakes / to move on
die Zwetschge / die Pflaumeplum - „Zwetschge“ is the oval baking plum (south, Austria, Switzerland), „Pflaume“ the round one
Diggadude, bro, mate (friendly, neutral form of address)
dissento disrespect, run someone down, insult
Distanz wahrento keep one's distance / to maintain distance
Druck ausübento exert pressure
dumm gelaufentough luck, that went badly (resigned, slightly mocking)
durch die Lappen gehento slip through one's fingers; to get away
durchziehento see something through, go through with it
echtreally, genuinely - both intensifier and question („echt?“)
Ehrenfrauwoman of honor - female counterpart to Ehrenmann; someone who does you a solid
ehrenlosdishonorable; in slang a respectless/low-down act (also ironic intensifier)
Ehrenmannman of honor - someone who does something great for you (also used ironically)
Ehrenmodushonour mode; going all-out, giving your best (playful, from gaming + 'Ehre')
ein Auge auf etwas werfento take a look at / to set one's sights on / to take a fancy to
ein Auge riskierento risk a quick/furtive glance; to dare to take a peek
ein Auge zudrückento turn a blind eye; to let something slide
ein Bretta stunner, something outstanding (of music, films, performances)
ein Brett vor dem Kopf habento be slow on the uptake; to not see the obvious
ein Ende setzento put an end to
ein Fazit ziehento draw a conclusion / to sum up
ein Foto machento take a photo
ein Wörtchen mitzureden habento have a say in a matter; to have the right to help decide
ein Zeichen setzento send a signal / to make a statement
eine Entscheidung fällento reach/make a decision
eine Entscheidung in Frage stellento question a decision
eine Entscheidung treffento make a decision
eine Erkältung habento have a cold
eine Frage aufwerfento raise a question
eine Frage habento have a question
eine Frage stellento ask a question
eine Nachricht hinterlassento leave a message
eine Pause machento take a break
eine Prüfung bestehento pass an exam
eine Rechnung bezahlento pay a bill
eine Reise machento take a trip
eine Rolle spielento play a role / matter
eine weiße Weste habento have a clean record; to be beyond reproach
einen Antrag stellento submit/file an application
einen Beitrag leistento make a contribution
einen draufmachento have a big night out
einen Fehler korrigierento correct a mistake
einen Fehler machento make a mistake
einen Frosch im Hals habento have a frog in one's throat; to be hoarse
einen grünen Daumen habento have a green thumb; to be good with plants
einen Kater habento have a hangover
einen Kurs besuchento take/attend a course
einen Rat gebento give advice
einen schönen Tag nochhave a nice day
einen Spaziergang machento go for a walk
einen Streit vom Zaun brechento pick a fight; to start a quarrel abruptly and for no real reason
einen Termin absagento cancel an appointment
einen Termin vereinbarento make an appointment
einen Termin verschiebento postpone an appointment
einen Vogel habento be crazy; to have a screw loose
einen Zahn zulegento speed up; to get a move on
Einfluss nehmen aufto influence / to have an effect on
Einhalt gebietento put a stop to / to call a halt to
en Gueteenjoy your meal (Switzerland) - standard German: guten Appetit
Ende gut, alles gutall's well that ends well
Entschuldigungexcuse me / sorry
es geht sich ausit works out, there's just enough time/space (Austria) - no direct German equivalent
es geht umit's about
es tut mir leidI'm sorry
etwas auf dem Kasten habento have a lot on the ball; to be clever
etwas auf die hohe Kante legento put money aside; to save up for later
etwas auf die leichte Schulter nehmento take something lightly
etwas aus dem Ärmel schüttelnto pull something out of one's hat / to do effortlessly
etwas durch die Blume sagento say something indirectly / to hint at
Eulen nach Athen tragento carry coals to Newcastle (do something pointless)
feschsmart, good-looking (Austria, southern Germany)
fettgreat, impressive (informal) - literally 'fat'
fettichdone, finished, wiped out (colloquial pronunciation spelling of 'fertig')
flexento show off / brag (with status symbols, looks or money)
flycool, awesome, in great form (as a compliment)
Folge leistento comply with / to obey
Folgen habento have consequences
freshcool, stylish, trendy (often about appearance/clothing)
freut michnice to meet you
Früchte tragento bear fruit / to pay off
früher oder spätersooner or later
fühl ichI feel that, I relate (agreement with a feeling)
für gewöhnlichusually / customarily
für jemanden die Hand ins Feuer legento vouch for someone; to stake one's reputation on someone
fürwahrindeed / truly (literary)
gäbighandy, pleasant, convenient (Switzerland)
gebongtagreed, it's a deal (from the till receipt, „Bon“)
Geburtstag habento have a birthday
Gefahr laufento run the risk of
Gehör findento get a hearing / to be heard
geht abit's going off, it rocks (of a party, a song, a machine)
geilgreat, awesome, cool (colloquial; literal/older sense: 'horny')
Geld ausgebento spend money
Geld sparento save money
gellright?, isn't it? (south, Austria) - standard German: nicht wahr?, oder?
Genüge tunto satisfy / to do justice to (a requirement)
geradeaus gehento go straight ahead
geradezudownright / virtually
geschweige dennlet alone / much less
Gestalt annehmento take shape / to take form
ghostento ghost; to cut off contact abruptly without explanation (anglicism)
Glauben schenkento give credence to / to believe
Glow-downglow-down; a decline in looks/appeal over time (the opposite of a glow-up)
Glow-upa noticeable positive transformation - usually looks, sometimes confidence
Glück habento be lucky
Gönn dirtreat yourself!, go for it! (encouraging colloquial phrase; related to 'Gönnung')
Gönnungtreating yourself; celebrating an indulgence ('gönn dir' = treat yourself / good for you)
goofysilly, clumsy, dopey, awkward (usually endearingly comical)
Goonento masturbate (excessively); to chase a dopamine high (vulgar/crude internet slang)
Green Flaggreen flag; a reassuring positive sign about a person (anglicism)
Grenzen setzento set limits / to set boundaries
Griaß dihello (Bavaria) - dialect form of „grüß dich“
grillierento barbecue (Switzerland) - standard German: grillen
grindento grind - repeat a task for progress (gaming, then work)
Grüezihello (Switzerland, formal-neutral)
grünes Licht gebento give the green light; to give the go-ahead
Grüß Gotthello (formal-ish Southern German/Austrian greeting)
Gudehello (Hesse) - short for „guten Tag“, used at any hour
gute Besserungget well soon
gute Nachtgood night
guten Abendgood evening
guten Morgengood morning
guten Tagthe neutral greeting that works everywhere - when in doubt, use it
Gyattgyatt; an exclamation of awe at a curvy/attractive body (crude internet/meme slang)
Haare auf den Zähnen habento be tough, assertive and sharp-tongued (not to be trifled with)
Habibimy darling / my love (affectionate, gender-neutral address among friends)
Hals über Kopfhead over heels; in a great rush
Hals- und Beinbruchgood luck! (lit. "break your neck and leg")
haltjust, simply (filler particle; south) - north: eben
halt ebenthe two German filler particles stacked - 'that's just how it is'
halve Hahna rye roll with cheese (Cologne) - despite meaning 'half a chicken'
hammeramazing, awesome (informal but harmless)
Hamudiaffectionate address ('little darling/sweetie'); also a pet form of the name Muhammad
Hand und Fuß habento be well thought out / to make sense
Hände falten, Goschn haltenfold your hands and shut up (Bavarian-Austrian phrase: be quiet and behave)
hässigannoyed, cross (Switzerland) - standard German: verärgert, sauer
Hayvan'animal/beast' - usually an insult (uncontrolled person), occasionally admiring
hdl„hab dich lieb“ - love you (chat abbreviation, platonic or family)
Heckmeckfuss, palaver, unnecessary commotion (jocular colloquial)
herzlich willkommena warm welcome
herzlichen Glückwunschcongratulations / happy birthday
heuerthis year (Austria, Bavaria, Switzerland) - standard German: dieses Jahr
hin und wiedernow and then / occasionally
Hochmut kommt vor dem Fallpride comes before a fall
hohlstupid, empty-headed (of ideas and people; rude about people)
Hoihi (Switzerland, informal) - plural: „Hoi zäme“
Hummeln im Hintern habento have ants in one's pants; to be unable to sit still
Hurensohnson of a bitch (very strong insult; ironically also used as extreme praise in rap slang)
ich bin der MeinungI am of the opinion / I think
ich bin einverstandenI agree / I'm fine with it
ich habe DurstI'm thirsty
ich habe HungerI'm hungry
ich hätte gernI'd like to have
ich heißemy name is
ich komme ausI come from
ich möchteI would like
ich verstehe nichtI don't understand
ich wohne inI live in
Icka sudden turn-off in dating - a small thing that instantly kills your attraction
ickeI (Berlin dialect) - standard German: ich
im Allgemeinenin general / generally
im Argen liegento be in a bad state / to be amiss
im Gegenteilon the contrary
im Gegenzugin return / in exchange
im Großen und Ganzenby and large / on the whole
im Großen und Ganzen betrachtetviewed as a whole / all things considered
im Großen wie im Kleinenin matters large and small
im Hinblick aufwith regard to / in view of
im Hinblick daraufwith this in mind / in this regard
im Mittelpunkt stehento be at the centre of attention
im Nachhineinin hindsight / after the fact
im Sande verlaufento come to nothing / to peter out
im Stich lassento leave in the lurch / to let down
im Vergleich zucompared to / in comparison with
im Vordergrund stehento be the focus / to take centre stage
im Vorhineinin advance / beforehand
im weitesten Sinnein the broadest sense
im Wesentlichenessentially / in essence
im Zaum haltento keep in check / to hold in check
im Zugein the course of / as part of
im Zusammenhang mitin connection with
in Abrede stellento deny / to dispute
in Anbetrachtin view of / considering
in Anbetracht dessenin view of this / that being the case
in Anspruch genommen werdento be in demand / kept busy
in Anspruch nehmento make use of / to take up (time)
in Anspruch nehmen (Hilfe)to avail oneself of (help/services)
in Anspruch nehmen (Recht)to assert / to claim (a right)
in Aussicht stehento be in prospect / to be on the horizon
in Aussicht stellento hold out the prospect of / to promise
in Bausch und Bogenwholesale / lock, stock and barrel
in Betracht ziehento take into consideration
in Bezug aufregarding / with respect to
in den sauren Apfel beißento bite the bullet; to grin and bear it
in den Schatten stellento overshadow / to put in the shade
in der Nähenearby
in der Regelas a rule / usually
in der Tatindeed / in fact
in die Schranken weisento put in one's place / to rein in
in die Waagschale werfento bring to bear / to throw one's weight behind something
in Erfüllung gehento come true / to be fulfilled
in Erinnerung rufento call to mind / to recall
in Erscheinung tretento appear / to make an appearance
in Erscheinung treten alsto come forward as / to act in the capacity of
in erster Linieprimarily / first and foremost
in Erwägung gezogen werdento be taken into consideration
in Erwägung ziehento consider / to contemplate
in Frage kommento be an option / be possible
in Frage stellento call into question / to question
in gewisser Hinsichtin a certain respect / in a way
in Kauf nehmento accept / to put up with (a downside)
in Kauf nehmen müssento have to accept (a drawback)
in Kontakt treten mitto make contact with
in Kraft bleibento remain in force
in Kraft tretento come into force / to take effect
in letzter Minuteat the last minute
in letzter Zeitlately / recently
in Mitleidenschaft ziehento affect adversely / to take a toll on
in nennenswertem Umfangto any significant extent
in Saus und Braus lebento live it up; to live in luxury and extravagance
in trockenen Tüchern seinto be in the bag / to be all sewn up
in Vergessenheit geratento fall into oblivion / to be forgotten
in Verruf geratento fall into disrepute
in vollem Umfangto the full extent / in full
in Zukunftin the future
in Zweifel ziehento call into doubt / to question
infolgeas a result of / due to (formal)
ins Auge fassento consider / to set one's sights on
ins Fettnäpfchen tretento put one's foot in it; to commit a faux pas
ins Gewicht fallento carry weight / to be significant
ins Gewicht fallen lassento bring to bear / to throw into the balance
ins Gras beißento bite the dust; to die
ins kalte Wasser springento jump in at the deep end
ins Leben rufento launch / to bring into being
ins Schwarze treffento hit the bull's eye / to be spot on
ins Stocken geratento stall / to grind to a halt
ins Wasser fallento fall through / to be called off
Ischechick, girl / girlfriend (colloquial, sometimes slightly disrespectful)
iwie„irgendwie“ - somehow (chat abbreviation)
ja malexample of stacked modal particles: „Komm ja mal vorbei“ softens an order into an invitation
je nachdepending on
jemandem auf den Wecker gehento get on someone's nerves; to bug someone
jemandem auf den Zahn fühlento sound someone out / to grill someone
jemandem auf der Nase herumtanzento walk all over someone; to take advantage of someone
jemandem auf der Tasche liegento be financially dependent on someone; to live off someone else's money
jemandem auf die Nerven gehento get on someone's nerves
jemandem auf die Sprünge helfento give someone a hint / to jog someone's memory
jemandem aufs Dach steigento take someone to task; to come down hard on someone
jemandem das Heft aus der Hand nehmento take control/power away from someone; to wrest the initiative from someone
jemandem das Herz brechento break someone's heart
jemandem das Wasser abgrabento undermine someone; to cut off someone's lifeblood
jemandem das Wasser reichen könnento hold a candle to someone
jemandem den Marsch blasento give someone a loud telling-off; to read someone the riot act
jemandem die Daumenschrauben anlegento put the thumbscrews on someone; to pressure someone hard
jemandem die Hölle heiß machento pressure or harangue someone hard; to give them hell
jemandem die kalte Schulter zeigento give someone the cold shoulder; to snub someone
jemandem die Leviten lesento give someone a stern telling-off; to read someone the riot act
jemandem die Show stehlento steal the show; to upstage/outshine someone
jemandem die Stange haltento stand up for / back / support someone
jemandem die Suppe versalzento spoil someone's plans; to ruin it for someone
jemandem die Würmer aus der Nase ziehento drag information out of someone
jemandem ein Dorn im Auge seinto be a thorn in someone's side
jemandem ein Ohr abkauento talk someone's ear off; to pester someone with endless talking
jemandem ein X für ein U vormachento deceive someone; to pull the wool over someone's eyes
jemandem einen Bären aufbindento tell someone a tall tale; to pull someone's leg
jemandem einen Floh ins Ohr setzento put a (far-fetched or unsettling) idea into someone's head
jemandem einen Gefallen tunto do someone a favor
jemandem einen Korb gebento turn someone down; to reject someone
jemandem einen Strich durch die Rechnung machento thwart someone's plans; to spoil someone's plan
jemandem geht ein Licht aufthe penny drops; to suddenly understand
jemandem Honig um den Mund schmierento butter someone up; to flatter someone
jemandem Paroli bietento stand up to someone; to offer effective resistance
jemandem reinen Wein einschenkento tell someone the plain truth; to come clean
jemanden auf dem Kieker habento have it in for someone; to watch someone closely waiting to catch them out
jemanden auf die Palme bringento drive someone up the wall; to infuriate someone
jemanden auf die Schippe nehmento pull someone's leg; to tease someone
jemanden durch den Kakao ziehento make fun of someone; to take the mickey
jemanden hinters Licht führento deceive or trick someone
jemanden in den Senkel stellento sharply reprimand someone; to put someone in their place
jemanden mit offenen Armen empfangento welcome someone warmly, with open arms
jemanden über den Tisch ziehento swindle/cheat someone; to get the better of someone
jemanden um den Finger wickelnto wrap someone around one's little finger
jemanden zur Schnecke machento give someone a severe dressing-down, humiliating them
kalte Füße bekommento get cold feet; to lose one's nerve
KarenKaren; an entitled, complaining (usually middle-aged) woman (mocking meme name)
kehrento sweep (south) - north: fegen
kein Dingno problem, no worries
kein Problemno problem
keine Ahnungno idea
Kekloser, fool, clown (internet/meme insult)
Kleider machen Leuteclothes make the man; people judge by appearances
Kleinvieh macht auch Mistsmall amounts add up too; every little bit counts
klönento have a cosy chat (northern Germany)
Klugscheißerknow-it-all, smart-arse (derogatory but everyday colloquial)
knorkegreat, excellent (Berlin, dated)
Kohlemoney, dough, cash (colloquial; lit. 'coal')
Konsequenzen ziehento draw the consequences / to act on
Korinthenkackernitpicker, hair-splitter, pedant (derogatory colloquial)
kp„kein Plan“ - no idea (chat abbreviation)
krassintense, extreme, wow (all-purpose intensifier, positive or negative)
Kritik übento criticize / to voice criticism
labernto waffle, talk nonsense (dismissive)
laggento lag (of a connection or a game)
lahmboring, weak (of a party, a joke, a film)
lange Finger machento steal, to pilfer (a thief is a 'Langfinger')
Lappenwuss, pushover / weakling (insult; lit. 'rag, cloth')
Lauchweakling, wimp, loser (lit. 'leek'; mildly derogatory tease)
läuft bei dirthings are going well for you (approving, slightly teasing)
Lehren ziehen austo learn lessons from
Lehrgeld zahlento learn the hard way; to suffer a costly lesson through inexperience
leiwandgreat, brilliant (Vienna) - standard German: toll, super
letzten Endesin the end / ultimately
lg„liebe Grüße“ - kind regards (the standard German sign-off)
litawesome, exciting, 'fire' (a great party, vibe or thing)
Looksmaxxinglooksmaxxing; maximising one's physical attractiveness by every means (anglicism)
lostclueless, disoriented, not knowing what's going on
Lügen haben kurze Beinelies have short legs; the truth will come out
Lust habento feel like (doing something)
Lust haben aufto be in the mood for
Machtaa boss, a doer, someone who gets things done (admiring; from 'Macher')
malochento graft, work hard (Ruhr area) - standard German: hart arbeiten
mangelsfor lack of / in the absence of
Mashallahadmiration/praise - 'great', 'awesome', 'wow' (lit. 'what God has willed')
Maßnahmen einleitento initiate measures / to set measures in motion
Maßnahmen ergreifento take measures / to take action
Maßstäbe setzento set standards / to set the benchmark
megasuper, really, extremely (intensifier); also standalone 'great'
mehr oder wenigermore or less
meiner Meinung nachin my opinion
merci vielmalthanks a lot (Switzerland) - French „merci“ with a German intensifier
Mewingmewing; pressing the tongue to the palate to sharpen the jawline (looksmaxxing trend)
miesbad, lousy (informal); also as an intensifier: „mies gut“ = really good
mir geht es gutI'm fine
mit allen Wassern gewaschen seinto be shrewd and worldly-wise; to know all the tricks
mit anderen Wortenin other words
mit Blick aufwith a view to / with regard to
mit dem Bus fahrento go by bus
mit dem Klammerbeutel gepudert seinto be not quite right in the head; to be a bit daft
mit jemandem Pferde stehlen könnento be able to rely on someone completely; a trustworthy partner in crime
mit Kanonen auf Spatzen schießento use wildly disproportionate means; to take a sledgehammer to crack a nut
mit zweierlei Maß messento apply a double standard
mitnichtenby no means / not at all (elevated)
Moinhi / hello (Northern German all-day greeting, not just morning)
Monetenmoney, funds, cash (jocular, slightly old-fashioned colloquial)
Morgenstund hat Gold im Mundthe early hours are the most productive (≈ the early bird catches the worm)
Musik hörento listen to music
na?the one-syllable German greeting that asks how you are
nach Hause(to) home
nach und nachgradually / little by little
nach wie vorstill / as before
Nachdruck verleihento lend emphasis to / to underscore
nahe liegento be the obvious choice / to suggest itself
nervigannoying
nicenice, cool (English loan, extremely common)
nicht alle Tassen im Schrank habento be off one's rocker; to be a bit crazy
nicht auf den Mund gefallen seinto be quick-witted and articulate; never at a loss for words
nicht zuletztnot least / in no small part
nichtsdestotrotznevertheless / nonetheless
nichtsdestowenigernonetheless / nevertheless (elevated)
No Cap'no lie / for real / I'm not kidding' ('Cap' = a lie/exaggeration)
no front'no offense' - signals what follows is not meant as an attack
noch einmal bitteonce more, please
NPCmockery for someone seen as not thinking for themselves / on autopilot (from 'non-player character')
nuyes, certainly (Saxony) - standard German: ja, natürlich
nur Bahnhof verstehento not understand a thing; "it's all Greek to me"
Nutzen ziehen austo derive benefit from / to capitalize on
obendreinon top of that / to boot
ödedreary, dull
Öl ins Feuer gießento add fuel to the fire; to make things worse
Opferinsult: 'loser, pathetic person' (weaker: 'uncool, dumb')
Paramoney; 'Para haben' = to have money, 'Para machen' = to make money
Parallelen ziehento draw parallels
parkierento park (Switzerland) - standard German: parken
passt schothat's fine, never mind (Bavaria) - the all-purpose Bavarian answer
Pech gehabttough luck (dismissive)
Pech habento be unlucky
peinlichembarrassing, cringeworthy - the everyday word behind „cringe“
pennento sleep, to crash, to kip (colloquial)
Pennerbum, layabout / loser (derogatory; lit. 'someone who sleeps/dosses')
Perlen vor die Säue werfento cast pearls before swine
Pfeifeloser, incompetent (jocular-derogatory; lit. 'whistle/pipe')
Pi mal Daumenroughly; give or take; a ballpark figure
Pisserjerk, idiot (crude insult; can be jokingly affectionate among friends)
pleitebroke, out of money
plietschclever, bright (northern Germany)
postento post (online)
Prioritäten setzento set priorities
putzento clean - in Switzerland one also says „bodenen“/„fägen“; the shared word is putzen
quatschento chat, natter (friendly)
rallento get it, to grasp / understand (colloquial)
randomweird, out of nowhere, unexpected/odd (broader than literal 'by chance')
ranziggrubby, shabby (youth slang) - literally 'rancid'
Rechenschaft ablegento render account / to answer for
Rechnung tragento take account of / to do justice to
recht habento be right
Red Flagred flag; a warning sign about a person or relationship (anglicism)
Rede und Antwort stehento answer for oneself / to account for
Reden ist Silber, Schweigen ist Goldspeech is silver, silence is golden
reden wie ein Buchto talk incessantly; to talk a blue streak
reinen Tisch machento clear the air; to make a clean breast of things
Rizzcharisma, esp. the skill of flirting / charming someone successfully
rot sehento see red; to fly into a rage
Rücksicht auf jemanden nehmento show consideration for someone
Rücksicht nehmen aufto be considerate of
Rücksicht walten lassento show consideration
safedefinitely, for sure (English loan, as agreement)
saltyannoyed, sour, bitter - especially after losing (common in gaming)
Salühi (Switzerland, informal) - from French „salut“
Sand im Getriebea spanner in the works; a disruption in an otherwise smooth process
Schaden zufügento cause harm / to do damage to
schaffento work (Swabia, Baden) - standard German: arbeiten
SchereI confess / busted (admission of guilt, esp. in online gaming; top-3 Jugendwort 2024)
Schickeriathe in-crowd, the fashionable set, high society (often mildly mocking)
Schlange stehento queue up / to wait in line
Schluss machento stop / call it a day / break up
Schluss machen mitto put an end to / to break up with
Schlüsse ziehento draw conclusions
Schmetterlinge im Bauch habento have butterflies in one's stomach (in love)
schnackento chat (northern Germany) - standard German: reden, plaudern
schnallento get it, understand (informal)
Schnee von gesternold news; water under the bridge; no longer relevant
schöne Grüßebest regards / kind regards
Schritt für Schrittstep by step
Schritte unternehmento take steps
Schule machento catch on / to set a precedent
Schwamm drüberlet's forget it; let bygones be bygones
schwarzsehento be pessimistic; to look on the dark side, fear the worst
Schwein habento get lucky; to have a stroke of luck
sein blaues Wunder erlebento be in for a nasty surprise; to get a rude shock
sein Herz auf der Zunge tragento wear one's heart on one's sleeve
seine Schäfchen ins Trockene bringento secure one's own profit/advantage (often before things go bad)
seinen Senf dazugebento put in one's two cents; to add one's (usually unwanted) opinion
seitenson the part of / from (formal)
Servushi / bye (Bavarian-Austrian greeting and farewell)
sheeshexclamation of surprise/admiration - like 'wow', 'damn', 'krass'
Sheesh seinto be impressive/jaw-dropping (verb-y use of the exclamation 'sheesh')
sich aus dem Staub machento make oneself scarce; to slip away
sich beschweren überto complain about
sich den Kopf zerbrechento rack one's brains
sich etwas hinter die Ohren schreibento take something firmly to heart and remember it well
sich freuen aufto look forward to
sich Gedanken machen überto worry about / to think about
sich Gehör verschaffento make oneself heard
sich grün und blau ärgernto be hopping mad; to be utterly furious
sich in Acht nehmento be careful / to watch out
sich in Verbindung setzen mitto get in touch with
sich ins gemachte Nest setzento land in a feathered nest; to profit from others' work
sich Mühe gebento make an effort
sich Sorgen machento worry
sich verpissento clear off, get lost (rude - not for polite company)
sich Zeit nehmento take one's time
side eyea sideways glance expressing skepticism, disapproval or judgment
Sigmathe 'lone-wolf' macho ideal - an independent, self-confident loner (often ironic/meme)
Simpsimp; someone who fawns excessively over a love interest (mocking internet slang)
simpento fawn over someone who doesn't return the affection (a 'Simp' does this)
Skibidiskibidi; nonsense intensifier, can mean 'good', 'bad' or nothing (absurdist meme slang)
Slayexclamation of praise - 'you nailed it / iconic / amazing'
Smashto be (sexually) into someone / 'would smash' - from the game 'Smash oder Pass'
Smombiesomeone so absorbed in their smartphone they barely notice their surroundings
Sorge tragen fürto see to / to take care of
spammento spam - flood someone with messages
Spaß machento be fun
Spastidiot, moron (offensive; derived from 'Spastiker', now a generic insult)
Sport treibento do/play sports
srysorry (chat abbreviation)
starkgreat, impressive (informal) - a milder, all-ages 'geil'
Steine in den Weg legento put obstacles in someone's way
Stellung beziehento take a stance / to take a position
Stellung nehmen zuto comment on / to take a position on
stille Wasser sind tiefstill waters run deep (quiet people often have hidden depths)
Stillschweigen bewahrento maintain silence / to keep quiet
stimmt sokeep the change
sussuspicious, sketchy, suspect
Swageffortless cool, charisma, style (sometimes ironic)
swipento swipe (on a phone, especially on dating apps)
Tacheles redento talk turkey; to speak plainly
Talahonstereotyped (often pejorative) label for a young man flexing (fake) designer brands
Teatea; juicy gossip, the inside scoop (anglicism, esp. 'spill the tea')
Tomaten auf den Augen habento be oblivious; to fail to see the obvious
tönento sound (Switzerland) - standard German: klingen
totaltotally, completely (intensifier, all ages)
Tribut zollento pay tribute / to take its toll
trollento troll - provoke online for fun
Tschüss / Ade / Pfiat dibye - north: Tschüss, south-west: Ade, Bavaria/Austria: Pfiat di
übelstextremely (youth slang) - grammatically the superlative of 'evil'
über den eigenen Schatten springento overcome one's nature; to step out of one's comfort zone
über den Tellerrand schauento look beyond one's own nose
über die Bühne gehento go off / to take place (smoothly)
Überhand nehmento get out of hand / to become rampant
überhandnehmento get out of hand / to become rampant
Überlegungen anstellento deliberate / to reflect on
Übung macht den Meisterpractice makes perfect
um jeden Preisat any cost / at all costs
ums Leben kommento lose one's life / to die (in an accident)
umso mehrall the more
und so weiterand so on / et cetera
und zwarnamely / specifically (to clarify)
ungeachtetregardless of / notwithstanding
unter Beweis stellento demonstrate / to prove (a quality)
unter dem Strichat the end of the day / when all is said and done
unter Umständenpossibly / under certain circumstances
urstvery, extremely (East German youth slang, dated but recognisable)
Verantwortung tragento bear responsibility
Verantwortung übernehmento take responsibility
Vergleiche anstellento make comparisons
verkacktscrewed up, botched, blew it (crude colloquial)
verpeiltscatterbrained, confused, disorganised (colloquial)
versackento end up staying out far longer than planned
Vertrauen schenkento place trust in
Vibemood/atmosphere or a person's aura; 'viben' = to be on the same wavelength
viel Erfolggood luck / much success
viel Glückgood luck
viel Spaßhave fun
viel Wirbel um nichts machento make a big fuss about nothing
vielen Dankmany thanks
viertel vor / viertel dreiquarter to / 'quarter three' = 2:15 (east and south) - a real source of missed appointments
vllt„vielleicht“ - maybe (chat abbreviation)
volltotally, really (intensifier) - „voll gut“, „voll der Stress“
von Bedeutung seinto be of importance / to matter
von Dauer seinto last / to be lasting
von der Hand weisento dismiss / to brush aside
von der Rolle seinto be exhausted, out of sorts or confused; off one's game
von grundlegender Bedeutungof fundamental importance
von vornhereinfrom the outset / from the start
von Zeit zu Zeitfrom time to time
vor allemabove all / especially
vor dem Hintergrundagainst the backdrop of / in the light of
vorglühento pre-drink before going out
Vorschub leistento encourage / to abet (something negative)
wahnsinnigincredibly (intensifier) - literally 'insane'
wallah'I swear' (lit. 'by God') - emphasizes the truth of a statement
Warmduschersoftie, wimp (lit. 'warm-showerer'; jocular insult for someone soft/risk-averse)
was du heute kannst besorgen, das verschiebe nicht auf morgendon't put off till tomorrow what you can do today
Was geht abwhat's up?, what's going on? (casual greeting)
was machen Sachenabsurd jokey filler - roughly 'well, things happen / what's going on here'
Wasser auf die Mühlen seinto be grist to the mill
wer A sagt, muss auch B sagenin for a penny, in for a pound; once you start, you must follow through
wer anderen eine Grube gräbt, fällt selbst hineinhe who digs a pit for others falls into it himself
wer zuletzt lacht, lacht am bestenhe who laughs last laughs best
Wert darauf legento insist on / to set store by
Wert legen aufto attach importance to
Wholesomewholesome; heartwarming, sweet, pure (approving internet slang)
Widerstand leistento put up resistance / to resist
wie bittepardon? / what was that?
wie die Faust aufs Auge passento clash badly - or, ironically, to fit perfectly (both senses are current)
wie ein Elefant im Porzellanladenlike a bull in a china shop; clumsily and tactlessly
wie ein Fisch im Wasserin one's element; completely at ease and lively
wie geht es dirhow are you (informal)
wie geht es Ihnenhow are you (formal)
wie heißt duwhat is your name (informal)
wie spät ist eswhat time is it
wie viel kostet dashow much does that cost
wildcrazy, intense, unbelievable (exclamation of astonishment)
Wingmanwingman; a friend who helps you approach/win over a romantic interest (anglicism)
Wirkung entfaltento take full effect / to unfold its effect
Wirkung zeigento have an effect / to take effect
wissen, wo der Hammer hängtto know exactly how things stand; to know the ropes / be competent
wmd„was machst du?“ - what are you up to? (chat opener)
wokewoke; socially/politically alert (often used pejoratively or ironically in German discourse)
Wort haltento keep one's word
Wyldstylized, English-pronounced variant of 'wild' - crazy, heavy, unbelievable
yappento talk nonstop / ramble about trivial stuff (often mildly pejorative)
Yeetyeet; to hurl something hard / an exclamation while throwing (energetic meme slang)
zachtough, tiresome (Austria) - standard German: zäh, mühsam
Zeit habento have time
zockento game, play video games; also: to gamble
zu Buche schlagento count / to make a difference (financially)
zu Ende gehento come to an end
zu Fuß gehento go on foot / walk
zu Hauseat home
zu Rate ziehento consult / to call in (an expert)
zu spät kommento be / arrive late
zu Wort kommento get a chance to speak
zügelnto move house (Switzerland) - standard German: umziehen
zugrunde liegento underlie / to be the basis of
zugunstenin favour of / for the benefit of
zugute kommento benefit / to be of benefit to
zugutekommento benefit / to be of benefit to
zulastenat the expense of / to the detriment of
zum Ausdruck bringento express / to give voice to
zum Beispielfor example
zum Erliegen kommento come to a standstill
zum Mitnehmento take away
zum Stillstand kommento grind to a halt
zum Tragen kommento come into play / to take effect
zum Vorschein kommento come to light / to emerge
zumalespecially since / particularly as
zur Anwendung kommento be applied / to come into use
zur Auswahl stehento be available as an option / to be on offer
zur Debatte stehento be up for debate / to be at issue
zur Diskussion stehento be under discussion
zur Folge habento result in / to lead to
zur Geltung kommento come into its own / to show to advantage
zur Kenntnis nehmento take note of / to acknowledge
zur Last fallento be a burden to someone
zur Last legento charge with / to accuse of
zur Rechenschaft ziehento bring to account / to make answer for
zur Rede stellento confront / to take to task
zur Sprache bringento bring up / to raise (a topic)
zur Sprache kommento come up / to be raised (a topic)
zur Verantwortung ziehento hold accountable / to call to account
zur Verfügung stehento be available
zur Verfügung stellento make available / to provide
zusehendsvisibly / increasingly (before one's eyes)
Zuspruch findento find support / to be well received
zwei Fliegen mit einer Klappe schlagento kill two birds with one stone
Zweifel hegento harbor doubts