One of the joys (and struggles) of learning German as an expat is stumbling upon words that don’t quite exist in English. Whether it’s a feeling, a situation, or just a really specific concept, the German language has a magical way of creating compound words that perfectly capture things you didn’t even realize needed naming.
Some of these words are poetic, some are practical, and some are just plain hilarious—especially when translated literally. In this post, we’ll explore some of the funniest, weirdest, and most untranslatable German words that’ll make you laugh, nod, and maybe even rethink the limits of the English language.
1. Kummerspeck
Literal Translation: Grief bacon
Actual Meaning: The weight you gain from emotional eating.
When life hits hard—breakups, job loss, homesickness—you might find yourself reaching for the ice cream or inhaling a tub of Nutella. The Germans, in all their brutal honesty, call this weight gain Kummerspeck. It’s such a vivid, oddly specific term that perfectly encapsulates emotional overeating. English might say “comfort food,” but “grief bacon”? That hits different.
2. Treppenwitz
Literal Translation: Staircase joke
Actual Meaning: The witty comeback you think of after the moment has passed.
Ever left a conversation, descended a flight of stairs, and suddenly thought of the perfect response? That’s a Treppenwitz. The French have l’esprit d’escalier, but the German version just feels more comedic—like your wit is hanging out awkwardly on the landing, one floor too late.
3. Verschlimmbessern
Literal Translation: To worsen by improving
Actual Meaning: When an attempt to fix something just makes it worse.
Did your friend try to “fix” your computer and now it won’t even turn on? Or did a software update ruin your favorite feature? That’s verschlimmbessern. It’s the linguistic equivalent of saying, “Thanks, I hate it,” but with Teutonic flair.
4. Schnapsidee
Literal Translation: Liquor idea
Actual Meaning: A ridiculous idea you probably came up with after a few drinks.
Ever suggested starting a llama farm at 2 a.m. or booking a spontaneous trip to Iceland with your coworker you barely know? That’s a Schnapsidee—a booze-fueled brainwave that should probably stay in the realm of “what if” (but makes for a great story either way).
5. Innerer Schweinehund
Literal Translation: Inner pig dog
Actual Meaning: Your lazy, self-sabotaging inner voice that tells you to skip the gym or procrastinate.
The innerer Schweinehund is that part of you that insists on Netflix over meal prep and convinces you to press snooze five times. Germans externalize this internal enemy as a literal beast—making it just a bit easier to fight off. “Don’t listen to your pig-dog” might sound odd in English, but in German, it’s motivational.
6. Torschlusspanik
Literal Translation: Gate-closing panic
Actual Meaning: The fear of running out of time, especially as one ages.
Historically, this referred to the panic of villagers who were racing back before the city gates closed. Today, it’s used to describe the existential anxiety that hits when you feel you’re running out of time—whether it’s for starting a family, changing careers, or learning to play the saxophone.
7. Fremdschämen
Literal Translation: External shame
Actual Meaning: The feeling of being embarrassed for someone else.
Cringing at someone’s awkward karaoke performance? Watching a reality show contestant overshare way too much? That gut-churning secondhand embarrassment is Fremdschämen. English doesn’t have a neat word for it—just a full-body wince.
8. Sitzfleisch
Literal Translation: Sitting meat
Actual Meaning: The ability to sit and get things done (like incredible patience or endurance).
It might sound like a meaty insult, but Sitzfleisch is actually a compliment—especially in academic or professional contexts. It refers to someone who has the stamina to sit through long, tedious tasks, like studying for exams or finishing that tax return.
9. Feierabend
Literal Translation: Celebration evening
Actual Meaning: The part of the day when work ends and relaxation begins.
Germans love a clear separation between work and personal life, and Feierabend embodies that. It’s not just “clocking out”; it’s a mental and cultural shift. You don’t work overtime during Feierabend. You chill with a beer, go for a walk, or just breathe freely. It’s sacred.
10. Weltschmerz
Literal Translation: World pain
Actual Meaning: A deep, melancholy sadness about the state of the world.
If you’ve ever felt existential despair after reading the news or watching a documentary about climate change, you’ve experienced Weltschmerz. It’s more than just sadness—it’s the poetic pain of being conscious in a world that doesn’t quite live up to your ideals. Very German.
11. Drachenfutter
Literal Translation: Dragon fodder
Actual Meaning: The peace offering a guilty partner gives to their significant other.
Flowers, chocolates, a surprise dinner—it’s all Drachenfutter if it’s given with guilt rather than love. The “dragon” in question is the angry partner, and the “fodder” is meant to calm the beast. Romantic? Maybe not. Effective? Often.
12. Backpfeifengesicht
Literal Translation: A face that needs a slap
Actual Meaning: Someone with an extremely punchable face.
We all know someone like this (hopefully only from TV). They haven’t even said anything, but something about their smug expression makes you want to give them a good Backpfeife. It’s not polite, but it sure is descriptive.
Why These Words Matter for Expats
As an expat in Germany, understanding these words isn’t just about learning vocabulary—it’s about connecting with the culture on a deeper level. Germans love their compound nouns and aren’t afraid to name things directly, even if it means getting creative (or slightly ridiculous). Embracing these terms can help you:
Laugh through the awkward moments (looking at you, Fremdschämen)
Navigate work and life more effectively (cheers to Feierabend and fighting your Schweinehund)
Make small talk with locals (a shared laugh over a Schnapsidee can go a long way)
Even better, using these words in casual conversation—even imperfectly—can open doors and spark connections. Germans appreciate when expats dive into the quirks of the language with curiosity and humor.
Final Thoughts
Language doesn’t just describe the world—it shapes how we experience it. These untranslatable German words reflect a culture that values precision, practicality, and a touch of dry wit. For expats, learning these words offers more than linguistic knowledge—it offers insight into how Germans think, feel, and navigate everyday life.
So the next time you can’t find the right English word for what you’re feeling, try a little German. You might find the perfect term already exists—probably involving pigs, dogs, or bacon.