# Three tables full of German swear words, curses, and insults > Everyone knows Scheiße (scheisse) means. Here's 32 other German swear words and phrases you'll want to know, too. **URL:** https://migaku.com/blog/language-fun/german-swear-words **Last Updated:** 2025-04-09 **Tags:** vocab, listicle --- We both know why you're here, and it's not to read a boring introduction 🫡 Just bear with me for one important gramamar point: > In German, all nouns are capitalized. Many of these curse words are terms that refer to a specific type of person. In other words, they're nouns. If you're wondering why random words in the middle of the example sentences are capitalized, that's why. Alas: --- ## \[Disclaimer] Please don't call your boss an Arschgeige I won't dwell on this point, but you should know that [we have a significantly weaker emotional response to things in foreign languages than we do in our native language](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237444929_The_Emotional_Force_of_Swearwords_and_Taboo_Words_in_the_Speech_of_Multilinguals). Basically, even if you know what a German insult _means_, you won't be able to reliably feel just how offensive it is. Unfortunately, the person you're talking to _will_. > Using German swear words may get you in trouble. Be smart. Don't shoot the handsome, generous, mostly innocent messenger who worked until 23:00 to put this out for you. We think that it's worth your time learning bad words and phrases in German, but that doesn't necessarily mean that we want you to sprinkle them into your speech like sesame seeds on a high-quality hamburger bun. In other words: - _Do_ know that "Arschgeige" is a beautiful little phrase that means "dumbass"—despite having a literal translation of "ass violin" - _Don't_ call your boss, teacher, or significant other an Arschgeige ## Why learn German swear words, anyway? Somehow I have a feeling I don't need to convince y'all on this one 👀 But, just in case, here are three big reasons for you: 1. Your goal is to understand German media, and native German speakers use curse words, so learning curse words is necessary in order to understand German movies, books, and the like 2. Swear words often reveal what a culture considers profane or insulting, and this may give you some interesting insights into German culture (or at least some conversation starters) 3. It's fun, _duh_ Anyhow, now that that's out of the way, let's get into it! --- ## Three lists of common German curse words and insults, organized by severity We have a few native speakers of German on the Migaku staff, and they were, erm, _very_ excited to help out with this article. I asked for fact-checking help on a Friday afternoon and within about two hours had received some of the most detailed and prolific feedback I've ever received as a writer. In fact, I got so much feedback that I actually ended up writing two articles: this one, plus another article on [German slang](/blog/language-fun/german-slang). So, uhh, German learners rejoice, I guess. ### 1. Some "not so bad" bad words, like "Kacke" and "Depp" Here are some words that you can use when you're miffed but don't quite feel ready to tell someone "kiss my ass". (For the record, Germans actually say "leck mich am Arsch" , the exact translation of which is "lick me on the ass". Now _that's_ a refined bit of German vocabulary for you!) Many of these words can be used around children, or even _by_ children, but several still pack a bit of punch—even if they aren't amongst the worst German insults. | English | German | Note | Example Sentence | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Verflixt** | Darn | A child‐friendly euphemism substituting for stronger curses.
Frequently seen in literature for young audiences. | Verflixt, das war knapp!
_Darn, that was close!_ | | **Kacke** | Poop | Child-safe version of "Scheiße". It's... an onomatopoeia.
Used to express frustration or disappointment in a tame way. | Oh Kacke, ich habe mein Buch vergessen!
_Oh poop, I forgot my book!_ | | **Mist** | Crud | A classic, non-vulgar exclamation—like "darn" or "crud" in English. | Mist, das war nicht geplant.
_Crud, that wasn’t planned._ | | **Heini** | Knucklehead/Goober | A contraction of the name "Heinrich".
Mocking in tone, used when someone gets on your nerves. | Irgendso’n Heini hat mein Auto zugeparkt.
_Some idiot blocked in my car._ | | **Depp** | Fool | A light insult meaning “idiot.” Considered playful rather than vicious. | Du bist doch ein Depp.
_You are such a fool._ | | **Trottel** | Dummy | Emphasizes clumsiness or foolish behavior. | Was für ein Trottel!
_What a dummy!_ | | **Idiot** | Idiot | A generic insult for someone lacking sense. Used to be a clinical term. | Hör auf, dich wie ein Idiot zu benehmen.
_Stop acting like an idiot._ | | **Weichei** | Wimp | Refers to a person who is seen as weak or spineless. | Du bist ein echtes Weichei.
_You are such a wimp._ | | **Dummkopf** | Blockhead | A straightforward term for someone who is not very bright. | Du Dummkopf, hast du das nicht gehört?
_You blockhead, didn’t you hear that?_ | | **Horst** | (Name-used insult) | A kinda demeaning way to refer to someone who is stupid or clueless.
(_Used_ to be a popular first name.) | Alter bist du vielleicht ein Horst!
_Dude, you’re such an idiot (Horst)!_ | | **Bauer** | Peasant / Redneck | Indicates that someone is acting crude/has bad manners/lacks social grace.
(Naturally, this is an insult.) | Du bist so ein richtiger Bauer!
_You're a real farmer (Bauer)!_ | | **Proll** | Chav / Hooligan | A demeaning way to say that someone is loud or tacky.
(This is classist/implies that someone is of a lower socioeconomic status.) | Er benimmt sich wie so ein Proll.
_He is acting like a thug._ | | **Bonze** | (No exact
English equivalent) | Used for people in positions of power or wealth.
Implies arrogance and distance from the common man. | Du denkst wohl, du bist eine Bonze.
_You think you’re such a snob_. | | **Schnösel** | Prig
Holier-than-thou | Similar to "Bonze," but more used to refer to someone who is snobbish. | Diese Schnöselin ist so arrogant.
_That prig is so arrogant._ | | **Penner** | Homeless / Slob | Basically used to mean "idiot". (This is a pattern you'll notice.)
Technically a derogatory term for someone perceived as lazy. | Halt dein Maul, du Penner.
_Shut up, you bum._ | | **Hartzer** | Welfare case | A pejorative term for long-term unemployed.
Derived from the colloquial "[Hartz IV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hartz_concept)." | Er macht eben einen auf Hartzer.
_He’s just acting like a welfare case._ | | **Knallkopf** | Nitwit | Implies that the person is not only foolish but strikingly so.
Sometimes used in an ironic, playful manner. | Du bist ein echter Knallkopf.
_You are such a nitwit._ | ### 2. Some real German curse words, like "Scheiße" and "Arsch" Lightweight stuff out of the way, we're now ready to look at some "real" German swear words and insults. These popular expletives and insults will probably give you the most bang for your buck, so far as swearing in German goes. Many are used to express frustration or anger and pleasantly versatile, such that they can be combined with a number of other German phrases... but none are vulgar, obscene, or what you'd call "nuclear". Basically, they're satisfying to use but not shocking, which is a nice balance, if I do say so myself. | English | German | Note | Example Sentence | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Scheiße** | Shit | One of the most ubiquitous German swear words. It's got a dedicated section below.
Used as an exclamation of frustration or to denote poor quality.
Its intensity varies, depending on the modifiers you use it with. | Scheiße, ich habe meinen Schlüssel vergessen.
_Shit, I forgot my keys._ | | **Blödmann** | Jerk | A commonly used mild insult combining "blöd" (stupid) with "Mann" (man).
Perhaps one of the most creative insults on this list. | Du Blödmann!
_You jerk!_ | | **Verdammt** | Damn | A common exclamation expressing annoyance, frustration, or surprise.
Can be used for both mild irritation or stronger anger.
Similar to "damn" in English. | Verdammt, warum passiert das immer mir?
_Damn, why does this always happen to me?_ | | **Spinner** | Nutcase | Refers to someone acting irrational or silly; often used lightheartedly. | Was für ein Spinner!
_What a nutcase!_ | | **Wichser** | Wanker | Basically, a stronger version of the word "idiot". Usually directed at men.
Opinions on its severity depend on generation. | Du Wichser, host mei Bier vaschütt!
_You little jerk, you spilled my beer!_ | | **Arsch** | Ass | Literally "ass".
Can refer both literally to one's rear and figuratively to a disagreeable person. | Halt dein Maul, du Arsch!
Shut your mouth, you ass! | | **Drecksau** | Filthy pig | Used to express contempt for someone is disgusting and morally dirty.
Naturally, this is a strong insult. | Du bist eine verdammte Drecksau!
_You're a filthy pig!_ | ### 3. Some of the strongest curses in the German language, like "Schlampe" and "Hurensohn" No fancy introduction here: each of the below German swear words and phrases is one of the most offensive that the language has to offer. They're good to know, but be _super_ sure you're confident you know what you're doing before using them. (Or maybe just don't use them). When you see their equivalents in English, you'll get what I mean: this is heavy stuff. Basically, proceed with caution. | English | German | Note | Example Sentence | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Schlampe** | Bitch/Slut | Denotes the promiscuity or moral failing of a woman.
Naturally, this is a highly offensive word. | Diese Schlampe hat alles hinter sich her.
_That bitch is chasing after everyone._ | | **Nutte** | Whore | A vulgar term that insinuates a woman is promiscuous.
Similar to "Schlampe". | Du bist eine Nutte.
You're a whore. | | **Hure** | Whore | Another vulgar term with roots in historical judgments about sexual morality.
Used in anger and considered highly taboo. | Fass mich nicht an, du Hure!
_Don't touch me, you whore!_ | | **Fick dich** | Fuck you | Used just like it is in English, but not quite as "hard" as the English phrase. | Fick dich, ich hab genug von dir!
_Fuck you, I've had enough of you!_ | | **Fotze** | Cunt | A vulgar word that originally referred to female genitilia.
In the same league as "Hure" and "Schlamper". | Halt deine Fotze still!
_Shut your cunt up!_ | | **Miststück** | Bastard/Bitch | Literally meaning "piece of dung." Like "Trottel" or "Blödman", but stronger. | Er ist ein richtiges Miststück.
_He is a real bastard._ | | **Hurensohn** | Son of a bitch | Literally "son of a whore."
Comparable to “motherfucker” or “bastard” in intensity. | Verpiss dich, du Hurensohn!
_Get lost, you son of a bitch!_ | | **Arschgeige** | Dumbass | Literally "ass violin", implies that someone is both useless and annoying.
Suggests that the person is not just an idiot, but loudly and proudly so. | Was für eine Arschgeige!
_What a dumbass!_ | | **Esel** | Dumbass / Idiot | Literally “donkey.” Used to scold someone for foolishness or carelessness.
Mild in tone among kids, but among adults sounds sharp or condescending. | Du hast das wieder falsch gemacht, du Esel!
_You got it wrong again, you jackass!_ | ## A closer look at three notable specimens Here are two commonly used German swear words, plus one prime example of what I think is a funny German trend of turning names into insults. - The first two words are worth taking a closer look at because they're an integral part of German profanity and can be used in a variety of ways—beyond what I could squeeze into the above tables - The last one is the tip of an iceberg—a small taste of the somewhat creative and culturally-specific language you'll be getting into as you continue on with your German studies ### 1. Scheiße, perhaps the most versatile curse word in German “Scheiße” is a German word that literally means “excrement”...... but, like "shit", it's a highly versatile exclamation you'll hear all the time in conversations among native German speakers. Depending on context and the words you pair it with, its severity may range from just a mild expression of frustration to a genuine explosion of outrage. It can also be used with positive words! Given that it can act as a standalone expletive, be used both positively and negatively, and generally modify all sorts of utterances, you might think of Scheiße as holding a similar position in German's lexicon as "fuck" does in English's. _(In case you aren't studying German and just randomly Googled for a list of German expletives: Yes, that funny-looking B thing makes an "sh" sound in German.)_ How to use it negatively: - **Scheiße, ich habe meinen Schlüssel vergessen.**
_Shit, I forgot my keys._ - **Das ist Scheiße – alles ist schief gelaufen.**
_That’s shit – everything went wrong._ - **Er hat wieder Scheiße gebaut, aber niemand hat es gemerkt.**
_He screwed up again, but no one noticed._ How to use it positively: - **Das war ja mal scheiße geil!**
_That was fucking awesome!_ - **Das ja scheiße lecker!**
_That was fucking delicious!"_ - **Geile scheiße!**
_Fucking awesome!_ ### 2. Arschloch, Germany's go-to insult "Arsch" means "ass". "Loch" means "hole". Surprise surprise, we have a similar insult in English: _Asshole_. Like in English, Arschloch is a strong insult which indicates that someone is mean, unpleasant, or has acted unfairly. It’s commonly used in moments of anger but may also be used humorously among friends. Examples: - **Du bist ein richtiges Arschloch!**
_You're a real asshole!_ - **Nur ein Arschloch würde so etwas tun.**
_Only an asshole would do something like that._ - **Dieser Typ benimmt sich immer wie ein Arschloch.**
_This guy always acts like an asshole._ ### 3. Horst, a name that became an insult "Horst" is (was?) a perfectly ordinary male given name in German, but in colloquial use, it has taken on a second life as a humorous insult. Referring to someone as a "Horst" implies that they are old-fashioned, clueless, or generally embarrassing. While not vulgar, it carries a connotation of mockery, as though the person in question is stuck in the past or just not "with" it. (Whatever "it" is.) In TV shows, the "Horst" might be someone who makes dull dad jokes. On forums, a "Horst" may proudly declare an (unasked for) opinion. Basically, you can direct this term at another person when their behavior is out of touch or unnecessarily awkward. How to use it: - **Sei kein Horst - zieh dir was Anständiges an.**
_Don't be a Horst—put on something decent._ - **Nur ein echter Horst würde das für eine gute Idee halten.**
_Only a true Horst would think that's a good idea._ - **Natürlich hat Horst wieder seinen Kommentar dazugegeben**
_Of course, Horst left their comment again._ _Bonus: both "Uschi" and "Jacqueline" mean something like English's "Karen"._ ## How to learn German curse words It's nice to have a handy-dandy list, but it'd kinda cramp your style if you had to pull a screenshot up on your phone and scroll for a few seconds every time you wanted to drop a German curse. In other words, you've got to _learn_ these things. Intensively. Passionately. With fervor. By heart. And I have good news for you: > There's a whole profane world of German expressions just _waiting_ to be discovered as you begin exploring German TV, media, and shit like that. You see, you don't _need_ to do anything special to learn these words. Why? Bad words are used everywhere. They're German words and phrases just like, well, _normal_ German words and phrases—not pots of gold being watched over by a short, short-tempered bearded guy on the other end of a rainbow. So long as you're interacting with Germans or engaging with German media, you'll encounter these words all the time. And that's the key. Say you're watching [a series of pranks on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CwekFpvg3Q) when you get hit with this beauty of a line: A screenshot of Migaku's mobile application, showing how we enhance YouTube subtitles _My name's "Bleedman"—like "Blödmann" (dumbass), but with two E's._ Blödmann is a new word for you, so you just tap right on it in the subtitles to see what it means. Naturally, this is a very nutritious word that you'd be remiss to go without, so you decide to learn it: you click that orange button in the top-right corner of the dictionary to make a flashcard out of it. A screenshot of Migaku's mobile application, showing what our SRS flashcards look like Migaku fetches an audio snippet of your line of dialogue being said and whatever was happening on screen to make a flashcard like the one above. The whole process takes about two seconds, and then you go on your merry (insert expletive here) way. _That's_ how you'll learn German swear words. You'll consume German content you enjoy, stumble into dialogue that features Germans swearing, and then extract the juicy ones into flashcards. (This same approach works wonderfully for all vocab, by the way, not just swears.) ## Geh zum teufel, or some closing thoughts on using German swear words "Geh zum teufel" means "go to hell". That didn't feel very good, did it? And that's precisely the point. _Be careful with these things._ You can offend people. ... Anyway! Now that we've had our fun, I'm going to be serious for a moment. If you want to learn German, you shouldn't really be looking around the internet for lists of vocabulary words like this. > If you consume media you enjoy in German, and understand at least some of the messages and sentences within that media, you'll make progress. _Period._ viel Glück!