Did you plan to go on holiday in Germany, and would like to learn some typical phrases from the language of Goethe? We present the German slang in 10 expressions!
Whether you are quite a novice in the mastery of the Germanic language or you have extensive school bases, it is always useful and relevant to learn some expressions of the raw in order to perfect his understanding of the German language, to melt more easily in the culture or simply to gain in efficiency during an explanation or question: in addition-Rhin, the integration by the language and the efforts made by the local people are appreciated!
We have selected for you 10 really useful familiar or argotic expressions - in addition to the basics - that will allow you to manage in a wide variety of situations.. and avoid the small traps during your stay!
1. Basic expressions
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Hallo! » Hi! Guten Morgen! / Guten Abend! » Hello! "Auf Wiedersehen! “ Goodbye! « Wie geht es Ihnen? » How are you? « Mir geht es gut » / « Und Sie? » : I'm fine / And you? « ja » / « Nein » Yes / No « Danke! » / « Bitte sher! » Thank you! « Bitte » / « Entschuldigung, ... » : Please / Excuse me, please... "Ich habe" : I... "Ich heiße" : My name is « Sprechen Sie ...? » Are you talking...? « Englisch » / « Französisch » : English / French « Wie viel kostet das? » : How much does it cost? « Zum Stadtzentrum, bitte » / »Zum Bahnhof, bitte » / « Zum Flughafen, bitte » : downtown, please / At the station please / At the airport please
2. Auf keinen Fall
This expression is used to support its disagreement with the oral; if compared to a basic negation as " nicht “, its use helps to strengthen the idea of refusal or rejection. It’s a simple and very useful expression, when you don’t want to do something or go somewhere!
Example : "Sven will auf keinen Fall Polizist werden": "Sven does not want to be a policeman in any way."
3. Kohle
This term is used to talk about money, it is equivalent to our money. Without being vulgar, it is used in a familiar context and cannot be used formally, as part of a business work!
Example : “Nicht, ich habe keine Kohle”: “It’s not possible, I don’t have a round.”
4. Geil
Well, at the base, " Geil “that is to say that we are sexually excited.. But today, he also works to manifest his euphoria or taste for something, or to express his contentment to someone or something.
Example : "Das neue Spiel ist geil": "This new game is too cool."
5. Was geht ab
This expression strongly used in Germany is used to ask an interlocutor how he goes, after saying hello. In France, for example, one can translate it into "What's new?"; You will have understood that once again, this phrase should only be used as part of a family or friendly exchange!
Example : « Manuel, was geht ab ? » : « Eh Manuel, what's up? »
6. Sich besaufen
Well, okay, it makes a little cliché like that, but Germany is also the country of beer: it is impossible to go there without taste of local specialties.. and for those who want to eat without moderation, here is an expression all found, equivalent to our “to get drunk”.
Example : “Ich will mich heute aber besaufen”: “Tonight I decided to beat my face. »
7. Ein heißer Feger
Literally, this expression means "hot broom". It’s rather strange, but in fact, it means a “cannon”: a handsome guy, or a very pretty girl! You will have understood it, if you are appointed by using it, you may return accompanied tonight. Nothing to see, but still useful to know: " der Feger “, someone who has the handcuff.
Example : “Ich kenne ein heiße Feger am Schule”: “I know a cannon at school.”
8. Gib Gas
The equivalent of our national "scratch"! Literally, it means “accelerate” or “to put the gas”, but it is also used when you want to move someone, or to put the pressure when you’re by car or waiting for your turn to use the toilet. It is obviously useful to master the phrase, but let’s not forget that the Germans are, by nature, a pressing people!
Example : « Steig in dein Auto und gib Gas! » : « Get in the car and hurry! "
9. Ein Karre
Because we are talking about cars, it is impossible not to put to the spotlight the big ones specific to Germany by presenting the term “ Karre » : a box, simply, to be used during an informal and familiar discussion, of course! The Germans, who are passionate about automobiles, often have only this term in their mouths and it is opportune to use it properly.
Example : "Ein ganz tolle Karre": "A great box".
10. Mach’s gut
This affectionate phrase could be translated into our “Take care of you”, it is used very commonly when doing its goodbyes or saying goodbye in an evening, for example; she can also use herself to wish a student friend good luck before her exams or.. a romantic appointment! It is interesting to note that this expression, without being a politeness formula, is not reserved for strictly familiar use, it can also be used if we do not know our contact person very well.
Example : "Ich muss los, mach's gut!": "I have to leave you, to pleasure!"
11. Kumpel
Indispensable to know if you make friends and go on adventure with them! It’s a bit the equivalent of our “My guy”, “My neck***e”, “My pole”: used in a familiar setting to express a friendly affection to a male friend.
Example : Vielen Dank an meinen Kumpel Albert! "A big thank you to my friend Albert! »
How to learn other expressions and vocabulary in German?
Before leaving on a trip, it may be interesting for you to learn other German phrases that return regularly to the hijack of a conversation with locals. For this, I advise you to take a look at the works below:
- Learn German – Fast / Easy / Effective - German, otherwise
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