German Slang
German has a reputation for being rigid and formal, but spend five minutes with German teens and that illusion shatters completely. Modern German slang — known as Jugendsprache — is a wild mix of creative German constructions, borrowed English words, and internet culture. From the versatile "geil" to the beloved "Alter," this guide covers the slang that makes German feel alive.
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Essential German Slang — Wichtige Umgangssprache
These are the foundation words of casual German. You will hear them in everyday conversations, on German YouTube channels, and in casual texts. Most are understood across all German-speaking regions.
Krass is one of the most versatile German slang words. "Krass gut" (amazingly good), "krass schlecht" (terribly bad), "Das ist krass!" (That's intense!). Like English "sick" or "crazy," it amplifies whatever it describes and can be both positive and negative depending on context.
Denglisch — English-Influenced Slang
Modern German slang borrows heavily from English, creating what Germans call Denglisch (Deutsch + English). These English words are adapted to German grammar and pronunciation, sometimes with shifted meanings.
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Casual Expressions
Beyond single slang words, German has many casual expressions that bridge the gap between textbook language and street speech. These are safe to use in any informal setting.
Regional Slang Differences
German slang varies significantly by region. While the slang above is broadly understood, each area has its own flavor:
- Berlin — "Dit is mir Wurst" (I don't care, literally "That's sausage to me"), "Icke" (I/me in Berlin dialect)
- Bavaria — "Sauber!" (Great! literally "clean"), "Spinnst du?" (Are you crazy?)
- Austria (Vienna) — "Leiwand" (awesome), "Oida" (dude/wow, used like Alter)
- Northern Germany — "Moin" (hello, any time of day), "Schnacken" (to chat)
The annual Jugendwort des Jahres (Youth Word of the Year) competition by Langenscheidt tracks the fastest-evolving German slang. Recent winners reflect the heavy English influence on German youth language, with words like "cringe" and "sus" making the shortlist alongside purely German creations.
The word Digga (from "Dicker," meaning "fat one") has become the go-to equivalent of "bro" or "dude" across northern Germany and is spreading nationwide. Like English "dude," it can express surprise ("Digga!"), get attention ("Digga, hör mal"), or just be a casual greeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "geil" mean in German slang?
Geil originally meant "lustful" and was considered vulgar. Today, it is mainstream slang meaning "awesome," "cool," or "amazing." "Das ist geil!" means "That's awesome!" It is widely used across all age groups in casual settings, though older Germans may still find it slightly crude.
What is "Jugendsprache" in German?
Jugendsprache literally means "youth language" and refers to the ever-changing slang used by young Germans. Each year, the Langenscheidt dictionary publishes a Jugendwort des Jahres (Youth Word of the Year). Recent winners include "cringe," "smash," and "sus" — showing heavy English influence on modern German slang.
Is German slang different in Austria and Switzerland?
Yes, significantly. Austrian slang includes words like leiwand (awesome, Vienna dialect), Bist deppert? (Are you crazy?), and Oida (dude/wow). Swiss German slang is even more distinct due to the Alemannic dialect base. German slang from Germany is not always understood in Austria or Switzerland.
What does "Alter" mean in German slang?
Alter (literally "old one/age") is used like "dude" or "man" in English. "Alter, was machst du?" means "Dude, what are you doing?" It can express surprise, frustration, or just be a casual way to address a friend. Both young men and women use it among friends.
Do Germans borrow a lot of English for slang?
Heavily. Modern German slang is full of English words: chillen (to chill), cool, cringe, nice, lost (clueless), and safe (for sure). These words are adapted to German grammar: "Ich chille" (I'm chilling), "Das ist cringe" (That's cringe). This trend is called Denglisch (Deutsch + English).