Chortle It Up: 101 Humorous German Phrases and Their Literal Translations

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With its means to creatively mix phrases with a stoic wit, the German language is a goldmine for humorous, quirky, or downright weird phrases that seize on a regular basis life in a manner different languages merely can’t. The most effective methods to take care of your motivation as you study German is by partaking with the funnier features of the language to make the journey to conversational fluency extra pleasurable. Discover these humorous German phrases to study that the German language is just not solely environment friendly—it’s additionally wildly entertaining!

Why does German have so many humorous phrases?

The German language has a singular means to create so many humorous phrases due to the pliability the language has for describing life and its contents. Not like in English, the place we regularly require complete phrases and even a number of sentences to explain one thing, German merely smashes phrases collectively right into a single, usually absurd-looking, lengthy German phrase. Because of this inventive limberness, German can naturally produce seemingly countless phrases that may sound ridiculous even after they’re solely sensible.

12 humorous German phrases you’ll wish to use

Get to know these hilariously humorous German phrases to completely recognize their humor and when to make use of them in your subsequent German dialog. The humor behind these phrases or their literal translations positively defy the German stereotype that they don’t have a lot of a humorousness!

1. Dreikäsehoch (three cheeses excessive)

Everyone knows somebody who’s somewhat vertically challenged, and we love all of them the extra for it! In German, you’ll be able to confer with the shorter buddies in your life as dreikäsehoch, which accurately means “three cheeses excessive.” This time period is often used to confer with a toddler that has gotten somewhat too large for his or her britches and is performing older than they are surely. Contemplating that the common cheese wheel is round 8 inches tall, this time period actually drives the purpose residence!

• Der Dreikäsehoch bestand darauf, dass er schon erwachsen sei. = The three-cheese excessive rascal insisted that he was already grown up.

2. Kummerspeck (grief bacon)

After a devastating breakup or lack of an expensive beloved one, many flip to consolation meals and overeating as a manner of coping. This consolation meals naturally results in some weight acquire. Ever the environment friendly language, German has condensed this idea into the time period Kummerspeck (grief bacon) to confer with the additional weight gained on this manner. Whereas your consolation meals of alternative doesn’t essentially must be bacon to qualify, it’s nearly as good an choice as ice cream or cake once you’re feeling down!

• Nach der Trennung hat er sich ein paar Kilo Kummerspeck angefuttert. = After the breakup, he placed on a number of kilos of grief bacon.

3. Backpfeifengesicht (a punchable face)

Is there an individual in your life who actually will get beneath your pores and skin—the one you’d actually like to offer a stable slap at any time when they are saying one thing unbelievable? In German, you’ll be able to describe that particular person as having a Backpfeifengesicht (a punchable face). Violence isn’t the reply, however having the ability to describe how you’re feeling could be a wholesome approach to work by means of a few of these emotions.

• Manche Leute sind nett, andere haben einfach ein Backpfeifengesicht. = Some persons are good, others simply have a punchable face.

3. Treppenwitz (staircase joke)

If you happen to’ve ever thought of an interplay from final week and even simply moments in the past and instantly give you the right joke or response far too late to successfully use it, you’ve simply considered a Treppenwitz (staircase joke)! It is likely to be irritating to have considered it too late, however you’ll be able to all the time write down your intelligent, late thought for subsequent time.

• Mir fällt der perfekte Treppenwitz immer erst ein, wenn es zu spät ist. = I all the time consider the right staircase joke when it’s too late.

4. Ohrwurm (ear worm)

Have you ever had a track or a catchy tune caught in your head all day and simply couldn’t transfer on from it? Then you could have had an Ohrwurm (ear worm) so far as the German language is worried! Don’t go digging in your ear searching for an infestation although—it’s simply an idiomatic phrase!

• Warum sind es immer die nervigsten Lieder, die einen Ohrwurm verursachen? = Why is it all the time probably the most annoying songs that trigger an earworm?

5. Schadenfreude (malicious pleasure)

There are a number of German phrases so poetic that English can’t assist however undertake them. Schadenfreude (malicious pleasure) refers back to the happiness we are able to selfishly really feel once we see the struggling of others. This may vary from throwing a celebration when your corporation’s competitor closes store or having amusing when somebody has a comedic fall onto their bottoms.

• Er konnte seine Schadenfreude kaum verbergen, als sein Rivale scheiterte. = He might hardly disguise his malicious pleasure when his rival failed.

6. Eierlegende-Wollmilchsau (egg-laying, wool-producing milk pig)

Like a swiss military knife for a farmer’s issues, an Eierlegende-Willmilchsau (egg-laying, wool-producing milk pig) is a legendary creature in German folklore. It refers to a creature that may produce something an animal farmer may wish, from eggs to wool, milk, and bacon! This time period is used exterior of farming to confer with any all-in-one answer like a complete app or an worker with a variety of expertise. Whereas this beast isn’t actual after all, it could be an absolute treasure to a German dreaming of peak agricultural effectivity.

• Diese neue App ist eine echte Eierlegende-Wollmilchsau – sie kann einfach alles! = This new app is an actual all-in-one answer – it might probably do every little thing!

7. Drachenfutter (dragon fodder)

If you happen to’ve ever tousled so dangerous that your associate has steam popping out of their nostril like a fire-breathing dragon, then it is likely to be time to contemplate giving them Drachenfutter (dragon fodder). It is a humorous time period that refers to a present given to a beloved one after they’re offended at you as an try to apologize and get again into their good graces.

• Schokolade ist das beste Drachenfutter, wenn man Mist gebaut hat. = Chocolate is one of the best dragon fodder once you’ve tousled.

8. Hamsterkauf (hamster shopping for)

When the information begins elevating alarms about an enormous snowstorm simply days away, many individuals rush to the shops to Hamsterkauf (hamster purchase) groceries and different requirements. The time period comes from the German phrases Hamster (hamster), which is a German cognate, and kaufen (to purchase). In English, we confer with this follow as “panic shopping for” and do that once we’re frightened about stocking up on groceries and subsequently purchase in extra. It means you’re dashing round like a panicked hamster attempting to replenish your fridge!

• Ich wollte nur Mehl kaufen, aber wegen der Hamsterkäufe battle alles weg. = I simply needed to purchase flour, however due to panic shopping for, every little thing was gone.

9. Blaumachen (make blue)

Typically, you simply don’t have the power, want, or will to go to work or faculty for the day. Once you select to easily skip these duties for the day, you determine to Blaumachen (make blue) in German. The verb comes from the time period blauer Montag (blue Monday), which was a conventional day of relaxation for these within the dyeing commerce. Take the break day and benefit from the sunshine in a German beer backyard as a substitute!

• Er behauptete, er sei krank, aber wir wissen alle, dass er blaumacht. = He claimed he was sick, however everyone knows he’s skipping work.

10. Kuddelmuddel (a messy scenario)

Repeating sounds inside the German language usually creates simply as a lot of a humorous impact for overseas language learners as compound phrases do. Kuddelmuddel (a messy scenario) is an ideal instance of the enjoyment you’ll find from these repeating syllables. Use this time period once you wish to confer with any disorganized scenario reminiscent of your teenager’s filthy room. Attempt announcing it and also you’ll see that, in the correct context, this phrase so completely describes a large number by its sound alone. English audio system would possibly even be capable of perceive what you imply once you say it.

• Das neue Gesetz ist ein riesiges Kuddelmuddel, keiner versteht es. = The brand new regulation is a large mess, nobody understands it.

11. Eselbrücke (donkey bridge)

You’ve in all probability constructed a number of Eselbrücken (donkey bridges) whereas studying how you can communicate German with out even realizing it! This time period refers to reminiscence methods used to recollect issues, like a mnemonic gadget. For instance, should you bear in mind how you can spell the phrase “as a result of” with the mnemonic gadget phrase “large elephants can all the time use scrambled eggs,” then you definitely’ve developed your individual Eselbrücke.

• Ohne Eselbrücken hätte ich die Vokabeln nie gelernt. = With out mnemonics, I’d by no means have realized the vocabulary.

12. Zungenbrecher (tongue breaker)

Whereas this time period might sound like some type of gristly torture methodology, Zungenbrecher (tongue breaker) is a time period which refers to phrases which can be deliberately difficult to pronounce. In English, we confer with them as “tongue twisters” as a substitute. An excellent instance of a deutsche Zungenbrecher (German tongue tornado) is Fischers Fritz fischt frische Fische, frische Fische fischt Fischers Fritz that means “Fisherman’s Fritz fishes for recent fish, recent fish is what the fisherman’s Fritz fishes.”

• Dieser Zungenbrecher bringt meine Zunge jedes Mal zum Stolpern. = This tongue tornado journeys up my tongue each time.

The very first thing that comes with the unfold of tradition is commonly the native meals to eat. These are humorous phrases within the German language impressed by the meals Germans love probably the most, from beer to pretzels and extra.

Humorous German phrases to explain sure individuals

Discover the correct phrase for that quirky character in your life with this checklist of humorous phrases in German that seize personalities inside a single time period.

Wildly humorous German phrases impressed by animals

Whether or not examples of direct, literal German animal names or the qualities coming from these furry companions, these humorous German phrases will tickle your want for wild humor.

Whimsical and nonsensical German phrases

Don’t take life too severely with the whimsical phrases and German slang phrases on this checklist.

German phrases that will help you snicker by means of life and struggles

Life might be each enjoyable and tough, however that doesn’t imply we now have to dampen our spirits! Discover a approach to snicker by means of each one of the best and worst moments with some German phrases which can be humorous to overseas language learners whereas describing life’s trials.

On a regular basis objects with hilarious names

The German language usually has a direct method to naming on a regular basis gadgets that may appear so blunt that they’re humorous to language learners. See a number of nice examples of literal German names for objects within the chart right here:

Humorous German puns and phrase mashups

Intelligent wordplay and devious mashups of phrases are any polyglot’s or linguist’s responsible pleasure. Discover your new favourite one-word pun with these phrases.

Uncommon humorous German phrases

These German phrases which can be humorous exist on the fringes of German comedy, referring to unusual occasions or are so outlandish of their spelling as to interrupt data for variety of vowels or consonants in a row. Good luck announcing 4 “o’s” in a row!

Humorous phrases to yell out loud in German

Typically you simply have to precise your self within the loudest manner attainable. Insults, frustrations, or exaggerations are all welcome right here. Let your large emotions out with these humorous German phrases to yell on the high of your lungs.

Regardless of its repute for professionalism and harsh pronunciations, the German language is filled with inventive phrases and amusing sounds which can be value a second for giggles. Now you’ll be able to convey your individual persona to your German conversations with these humorous German phrases! Studying German with Rosetta Stone’s app helps you progress past rote memorization with sensible, partaking vocabulary that allows you to categorical your self confidently.