Even I as a native German understand that the German language sometimes can be difficult, frustrating and non-sensical. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
We asked 9 Expats of Speakeasy Language Academy living in Germany to reveal their favorite German word to us.
Did you know that German
has a term for “a face that needs to be slapped”,
contains common words that fit well in almost every situation and
exposes slugs indecently?
Broaden your vocabulary, brighten your day and learn German the fun way with these 9 German words.
1. Mundfaul
“Mundfaul”. One of the many universal experiences English has no word for. It literally translates to "mouth lazy" and describes someone who doesn't like to
talk a lot and is uncommunicative.
Berlin: Ceceila Lederer
Certified English Teacher
Check out her teacher's profile for English lessons in Berlin and surrounding areas.
2. Germering-Unterpfaffenhofen
My favorite German word isn't a common word. It's actually a place. "Germering-Unterpfaffenhofen". One of my good friends lives there but it's more so my favorite because it's just so fun to say!
Muinch: Kaylen Snow
Certified English Teacher
For English lessons in Munich and surrounding click on her teacher’s profile.
3. Backpfeifengesicht
There are so many classics, but I’ll go with "Backpfeifengesicht".
The best translation I’ve heard is: “A face that needs to be slapped!” Why do I like it? I appreciate that this idea can be expressed by one, 17-letter German word. I also like that when I was introduced to this word, it was describing the face of Senator Ted Cruz!
Berlin: Justin
Certified English Teacher
Find out more about Justin under his online bio or contact him directly for English lessons in Berlin.
4. Doch
I have so many favorite German words, it's hard to pick just one! I think “doch” is probably my favorite right now. But “nein” and “Sieben” are also great words. I really enjoy the word “doch” because there isn’t an English translation for it. It’s so much easier to say “doch” than “yeah we do,” “yeah we are,” or whatever the context of the conversation is. “Doch” is also really fun to say.
Berlin: Tina Angok
Freelance English teacher with Speakeasy Language Academy in Berlin. You can get in touch with her through her teacher’s profile or through her travel blog.
5. Grüße
As I continue to learn and improve my German, I am consistently discovering new words that catch my attention and spark the intuitive language processes in my supple young brain. Right now, I am hooked on the word "Grüße". This word translates to English as "regards" or "respects" but also as "greetings", so I've seen it used in Deutsch as a greeting ("Grüße, wie geht es Ihnen?") or a farewell ("Viele Grüße, auf Wiedersehen"). This versatility reminds me of many English words I love for their flexible definitions. It is also a quintessentially German word in its appearance, with both an umlauted vowel and the "ß" character. Someone who has only the most rudimentary knowledge of German could likely identify it as a German word from those characters alone, as no other language really uses them much or at all. I have been using this word quite a lot in my communications here in Germany and there are still thousands of words for me to explore.
Cologne: Vaughan Richards
Certified English Teacher
For English lessons in Cologne and surrounding click on his teacher profile or contact him directly.
6. Tschüss
I love the way German people say "Tschüss".
It only means 'bye' but the sing-song happy way they say it brings a smile to my face and makes me want to imitate it. I love getting the chance to say "Tschüss" to the barista making my coffee, the person ringing me up at the store, and hopefully one day the many German friends I'll have!
Hamburg: Melissa Malec
Certified English Teacher
Melissa work as a freelance English teacher in Hamburg. Make sure to check out her professional bio for lessons in Hamburg
and surrounding areas or contact her directly.
7. Hackfleisch
One of the first non-basic words I learned when I got here was “Hackfleisch” (minced meat, literally “chopped meat”) while at the supermarket. I am amused by the straightforwardness of the language and complete lack of subtlety. This word is darkly humorous to me and I will often have (silly, cartoonish) visions in my head of this word being acted out.
Berlin: Tanya Doan
Certified English Teacher / Mixed Media Artist
Have a look at Tanya’s teacher bio and artist home page. Please contact her for lessons in your area.
8. Nacktschnecke
My favorite German words are for animals. They are so delightfully concise. For example, a raccoon is a Waschbär. It translates to washing bear. The word for slug is "Nacktschnecke". It directly translates to naked snail. The word for sloth is Faultier. It directly translates to lazy animal.
Hamburg: Carly Friedman
Certified English Teacher
Book lessons with Carly though her online teacher profile or follow her on social media.
9. Genau
Es ist „Genau", genau! In Germany, you hear this word all the time. The closest translation is "Exactly" but it's thrown around just like a general affirmative. I've even seen it as a question: "Genau?" for something like "I think so?"
Berlin: Matthew
Certified English Teacher
Matthew is a freelance English teacher with Speakeasy Language Academy. English lessons avaialable in Berlin and surrounding areas.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE GERMAN WORD?
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