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Cuss words & "don't get punched" warnings (Germany)

How to swear in Germany

Contains profanity

Compiled by Gabriel Gilles · Updated

Short answerIn Germany, say Scheiße.Shit.

Profanity is common, but don't use it with strangers unless you really know the vibe.

Read the room first.

Common

  • Scheiße.Shit.
  • Verdammt.Damn.
  • Mist.A milder "crap".
  • Mensch!Man! / oh come on! — completely safe in any company.
  • Verflixt!Darn! — the polite one.
  • Verdammt nochmal!Bloody hell — stronger than Verdammt, and still aimed at nobody.
  • Herrje!Good heavens!
  • Donnerwetter!Well I never! — admiration or annoyance, tone decides which.

Aggressive

  • Halt die Klappe.Shut it.
  • Verpiss dich.Piss off.
  • Lass mich in Ruhe.Leave me alone — firm, and not a swear word.
  • Nerv nicht.Stop bugging me.
  • Das reicht jetzt.That's enough now.
  • Ach du Scheiße!Oh sh*t! — a reaction to a situation, not aimed at a person.
  • VollpfostenTotal idiot — keep it for telling the story, not for the person.
  • Leck mich.Get lost — everyday among friends, never with a stranger.