Common German slang by region and social group
Mastering German Slang: Speak Like a Local!: Common German slang by region and social group
Common German slang varies widely by region and social group, reflecting Germany’s rich linguistic diversity and cultural differences.
Regional German Slang
- Northern Germany: Uses greetings like “Moin” or “Moinsen” throughout the day, derived from Low German meaning “good.” “Tach” is common in North Rhine-Westphalia. Examples include “Büx” for pants and “Brüller” for a very funny joke.
- Berlin: “Kiez” means a small neighborhood with a strong local identity. “Schrippen” means bread rolls, and “Späti” refers to convenience stores open late.
- Hesse: Words like “Labbeduddel” (idiot), “Äbbelwoi” (apple wine), and greetings like “Ei Gude, wie?” (“How are you?”).
- Saxony: Terms like “Nischl” (head), “Speckfettbemme” (slice of bread with lard), and “der Schamstrich” (significant other).
- Bavaria and Swabia: “Norgerl” means the last bit of beer, “Scherzerl” is the last bit of bread, and “Semmel” is a bread roll. Bavarian dialect uses unique expressions such as “Gspusi” for a loved one.
- Ruhr region: “Lauschepper” describes a freeloader or scrounger.
- Saarland: A pram is called “das Scheesewähnsche,” influenced by French.
Social Group Slang
- Youth slang (Jugendsprache): Continuously evolving with words like “Alter” (dude), “kein Bock” (not in the mood), “BAM” (wow), and “Lachflash” (fit of laughter).
- Hip-hop and internet influenced slang: Incorporate English abbreviations and phrases like “lol,” “brb,” and “ASAP,” adapted into German usage.
- General colloquial slang: Includes words like “geil” (cool), “schmollen” (to sulk), and insults like “Hirni” (slow-witted) or “Pfosten” (idiot).
These slang expressions often reflect the cultural identity of their users and add local color to communication in German-speaking areas, allowing individuals to express affiliation to a particular region or social group. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7