The Strangest German Words

German is known for its precision and structure, but it also has some truly bizarre and fascinating words. From compound words to quirky expressions, the German language is full of surprises. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most unusual and intriguing German words, explaining their meanings and why they’re so interesting. And if you’re learning German at Siahpoosh Institute, you might just come across some of these words in your studies!

1. Kummerspeck (Companion Bacon)

Let’s start with a classic. Kummerspeck literally translates to “grief bacon.” It refers to the weight gained from emotional overeating, especially after a stressful event. Imagine comforting yourself with food when you’re feeling down — the result? Kummerspeck. This quirky word perfectly captures a specific emotion tied to behavior, something that other languages might not have an equivalent for.

 • Example sentence: “Nach dem Streit hat sie viel Kummerspeck zugelegt.” (After the argument, she gained a lot of Kummerspeck.)

2. Schadenfreude (The Joy of Others’ Misfortune)

This one has become famous even in English, but it’s still a particularly German concept. Schadenfreude means the pleasure derived from someone else’s misfortune. While it sounds a bit harsh, it’s a word that perfectly captures a complex human emotion that’s often hard to put into words.

 • Example sentence: “Er konnte seine Schadenfreude nicht verbergen, als er von ihrem Missgeschick hörte.” (He couldn’t hide his Schadenfreude when he heard about her mishap.)

3. Fernweh (Far Pain)

While we’re used to hearing about Heimweh, or homesickness, the German language also has a word for the opposite feeling: Fernweh. It describes the longing or pain you feel when you desire to be far away, traveling to distant places. It’s a beautiful word that evokes the craving for adventure and exploration.

 • Example sentence: “Ich habe so ein starkes Fernweh, ich muss unbedingt bald reisen.” (I have such strong Fernweh, I have to travel soon.)

4. Backpfeifengesicht (A Face That Deserves a Slap)

This German word is as funny as it sounds. Backpfeifengesicht refers to someone who has a face that, for some reason, just begs to be slapped. It’s used humorously to describe someone whose behavior, demeanor, or just face irritates you to the point where you want to give them a slap.

 • Example sentence: “Sein Backpfeifengesicht bringt mich jedes Mal auf die Palme.” (His backpfeifengesicht drives me crazy every time.)

5. Torschlusspanik (Gate-Closing Panic)

This word refers to the panic or anxiety that arises when you feel like an important opportunity is slipping away. Torschlusspanik comes from the image of the gates closing, leaving you no chance to enter. It’s often used in relation to age, relationships, or career decisions when people feel they are running out of time.

 • Example sentence: “Mit Mitte 30 bekam sie plötzlich Torschlusspanik und dachte, sie müsse bald heiraten.” (In her mid-30s, she suddenly felt Torschlusspanik and thought she needed to get married soon.)

6. Weltschmerz (World Pain)

Weltschmerz literally translates to “world pain” and describes the feeling of deep sadness or melancholy when one realizes that the world can’t be as perfect as one would like it to be. It’s a type of existential discomfort that comes from recognizing the limitations and imperfections of life.

 • Example sentence: “Er spürte den Weltschmerz, als er die Nachrichten sah.” (He felt the Weltschmerz when he saw the news.)

7. Zungenbrecher (Tongue Twister)

This word is pretty self-explanatory. Zungenbrecher refers to a tongue twister. It’s a fun term for those tricky phrases or words that are difficult to say, especially in a foreign language.

 • Example sentence: “Der Zungenbrecher „Blaukraut bleibt Blaukraut“ ist schwer auszusprechen.” (The tongue twister “Blaukraut bleibt Blaukraut” is hard to pronounce.)

8. Drachenfutter (Dragon Food)

Drachenfutter is a funny German word that translates to “dragon food.” It refers to a gift given to your partner when you’ve done something wrong, often used humorously for people trying to apologize. It’s like buying flowers or chocolates to smooth things over in a relationship.

 • Example sentence: “Er hat ihr Drachenfutter gekauft, um sich nach dem Streit zu entschuldigen.” (He bought her Drachenfutter to apologize after the argument.)

9. Handschuhschneeballwerfer (Glove Snowball Thrower)

This incredibly long word refers to someone who criticizes others but never does anything themselves. It literally translates to “glove snowball thrower,” imagining someone who throws snowballs but wears gloves so they don’t get their hands dirty. It’s a humorous way to describe someone who complains but doesn’t take action.

 • Example sentence: “Er ist ein wahrer Handschuhschneeballwerfer, der immer nur meckert.” (He’s a true Handschuhschneeballwerfer, always complaining but never acting.)

10. Futterneid (Food Envy)

If you’ve ever been envious of someone else’s meal, then you’ve experienced Futterneid. This word perfectly captures the jealousy one feels when someone else has food that looks more appetizing than their own.

 • Example sentence: “Ich habe Futterneid, weil dein Burger viel größer aussieht als meiner.” (I have Futterneid because your burger looks much bigger than mine.)

Conclusion

German is full of quirky, unique, and downright funny words that reflect the culture and mindset of the people who speak it. These strange words may be difficult to translate into English directly, but they capture feelings, situations, and behaviors in a way that no other language quite can. If you’re learning German at Siahpoosh Institute, exploring these words will not only help you expand your vocabulary but also give you a deeper appreciation for the richness of the German language.

Embrace these fun, strange words, and don’t be afraid to use them in your own conversations to show off your German skills and impress your friends!