When learning German, familiarizing yourself with slang and colloquial phrases can significantly enhance your conversational skills and help you sound more like a native speaker. Here’s a guide to some popular German slang terms and phrases you’ll likely encounter in everyday conversations.
Krass
Krass is a versatile slang term used to express something that is extreme or intense, which can be either positive or negative. It’s akin to saying “awesome” or “crazy” in English.
Das Konzert war echt krass!
Alter
Alter literally translates to “old man,” but in slang, it’s used informally to address a friend, similar to “dude” or “bro” in English.
Was machst du, Alter?
Geil
Geil is a colloquial word that means “cool” or “awesome.” It’s often used to describe something that is exciting or impressive.
Deine neue Jacke ist echt geil!
Tja
Tja is an interjection used to express resignation or acceptance of a situation, somewhat equivalent to “well” or “so” in English.
Tja, das ist jetzt zu spät.
Na?
Na is a versatile expression used to casually greet someone or to prompt a response. It’s similar to saying “So?” or “Well?” in English.
Na, wie geht’s dir?
Hammer
Hammer is used to describe something that is amazing or excellent. It’s comparable to saying “fantastic” or “incredible” in English.
Die Party gestern war der Hammer!
Jein
Jein is a portmanteau of “ja” (yes) and “nein” (no), used when the answer is somewhere between yes and no, or when it’s both at the same time.
Hast du Lust auf Kino? Jein, ich bin mir nicht sicher.
Stimmt
Stimmt means “true” or “right” and is used to agree with someone or confirm that something is correct.
Stimmt, das hatte ich ganz vergessen!
Kumpel
Kumpel means “buddy” or “pal.” It’s used to refer to a friend in a casual and friendly manner.
Lass uns mit den Kumpels was trinken gehen.
Schick
Schick means “chic” or “stylish.” It is used to compliment someone’s appearance or the aesthetics of an object.
Wow, dein neues Auto ist echt schick!
Quatsch
Quatsch is a colloquial term used to express that something is nonsense or ridiculous.
Quatsch, das kann doch gar nicht sein!
Moin
Moin is a common greeting in northern Germany, used any time of day, similar to “hi” or “hello” in English.
Moin, wie läuft’s?
Bock haben
Bock haben translates to “to have a goat,” but it means to be in the mood for something or to feel like doing something.
Hast du Bock, ins Kino zu gehen?
Abgefahren
Abgefahren is used to describe something that is “cool” or “radical.” It’s a way of expressing that something is extraordinary or out of the ordinary.
Die neue Achterbahn im Freizeitpark ist total abgefahren!
Schnauze
Schnauze literally means “snout,” but as a slang, it’s used to tell someone to “shut up” in a rather rude way.
Halt endlich die Schnauze!
Assi
Assi is short for “asozial,” which means “antisocial.” It’s a derogatory term used to describe someone behaving in an uncouth or unsociable manner.
Der Typ da drüben ist echt Assi.
Understanding these slang terms and colloquial phrases will not only help you understand native speakers better but also enable you to engage more naturally in casual conversations. Remember, the key to mastering slang is exposure and practice, so don’t hesitate to use these expressions when speaking with German friends or during your travels!
