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Scene illustrating a German-language foul language conversation

Key Phrases

Halt die Klappe!

Shut up!

Was zur Hölle?

What the hell?

Scheiß drauf!

Screw it!

Skills You'll Learn

Expressing frustration

Frustration ausdrücken

Reacting to situations

Auf Situationen reagieren

Giving dismissive responses

Abfällige Antworten geben

Lesson Vocabulary & Phrases

💩

Scheiße!

shy-suh

Shit!

💬 This is one of the most versatile German swear words, often used for expressing frustration.

🇩🇪 While very common, use with caution as it can be quite strong depending on the context.

See breakdown →
😤

Verdammt!

fair-dammt

Damn it!

💬 This can express frustration or annoyance similarly to 'damn' in English.

🇩🇪 It is generally considered less offensive than some other curses.

See breakdown →
😬

Mist!

Mist

Damn! / Crap!

💬 Literally translates to 'manure' and is a lighter swear word.

🇩🇪 Often used as a softer alternative to stronger swears, similar to 'shoot' or 'darn'.

See breakdown →
😠

Arschloch!

arsh-loch

Asshole!

💬 A direct and strong insult.

🇩🇪 Avoid using unless very familiar with the cultural context and company.

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🖕

Verpiss dich!

fehr-PISS dikh

Fuck off!

💬 Very rude and aggressive, akin to its English equivalent.

🇩🇪 Use with extreme caution; it's offensive and confrontational.

See breakdown →
🤫

Halt die Klappe!

halt dee KLA-pa

Shut up!

💬 Literally means 'hold the flap', used to tell someone to be quiet.

🇩🇪 Rude, but not vulgar; similar to 'shut your mouth'.

See breakdown →
🤦

Du Idiot!

doo ee-DEE-ot

You idiot!

💬 Common insult for calling someone foolish.

🇩🇪 Similar to English, it's offensive but less severe than stronger words.

See breakdown →
🐮😒

Blöde Kuh!

BLEU-de koo

Stupid cow!

💬 Used mostly towards women, akin to calling someone a 'silly cow'.

🇩🇪 Considered disrespectful and sexist, reflecting cultural stereotypes.

See breakdown →
🐷🤪

Dumme Sau!

DOO-ma sow

Dumb pig!

💬 Used to call someone stupid, with 'Sau' referring to a sow (female pig).

🇩🇪 Quite rude, often used in anger but less common in formal settings.

See breakdown →
🚀

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