11+ German Insults
Germans aren't known for their polite innuendos, so you will have to learn some insults before travelling to Berlin.
In this blog post, we're going to take a look at insults in German.
There are funny German insults, which are hilarious to learn about. Then, there are also mild insults you might want to use with a good friend. Last but not least, there are also strong German insults for people who are very, very angry. Those you'll find at the very end.
Funny German Insults
Let's start off with lighter insults.
Some of the insults in the lists you can use when angry. However, others are more on the funny side and might make people laugh. Take a look:
Hornochse
This insult, which means "you jackass," is a playful way to tease someone for doing something foolish or silly. It's a common insult used among friends and is not meant to be taken seriously.
Erbsenzähler
The German insult Erbsenzähler is used to describe someone who is overly meticulous and concerned with petty details. Literally translated to English, it means something "pea counter" or "bean counter".
Erbsenzähler is often used in a teasing or lighthearted way to make fun of someone who is perceived as being overly fussy or pedantic. It is not a particularly severe insult, but is more of a way to poke fun at someone's fussiness or nitpicking nature.
Spargeltarzan
A Spargeltarzan is someone who is slim and lacks physical strength or muscle mass. The word is often used in a teasing way to make fun of a close friend or family member.
In case you didn't notice: Spargeltarzan is a compound word that's made up from the words Spargel (asparagus) and "Tarzan," the famous jungle hero known for his strength and athleticism.
Rotzlöffel
A Rotzlöffel is a brat - so you'd generally use this word to describe naughty children or sometimes teenager. The literal meaning is quite gross: It literally translates as “snot spoon”.
Lackaffe
Lackaffe is a light German insult that you should be a bit more careful with than the other words in this list. It's not a very strong insult, but you also wouldn't normally say this to a friend - it's too mean for that.
Lackaffe literally means "varnish monkey" or "lacquer ape". It's used to describe someone who is overly well-dressed, vain and keen to show the world. The American equivalent would maybe be "showboat", in Britain some people say "spiv" or "show Harry".
Backpfeifengesicht
Weichei
Spaßbremse
Warmduscher
Arschkriecher
Light-Hearted German Insults
Spinner
This insult, which translates to "you nutcase" or "you crazy person," is a playful way to tease someone. Use it with friends or family members whom you know well and who won't take offense.
Depp
This insult, which means "you dork" or "you goofball," is a friendly way to poke fun at someone's actions or behavior. It's often used among close friends or family members.
Penner
This insult, which translates to "you slacker" or "you lazy bones," is a mild way to call someone out for being lazy or not putting in enough effort. Use it in a joking manner, and only with people who won't take offense.
Dussel
This insult, which translates to "you dope" or "you nincompoop," is a light-hearted way to poke fun at someone for making a mistake or for being forgetful. Use it in a joking manner, and only with people who won't take offense.
It's important to note that these insults are meant to be light-hearted and used in a joking manner. They should never be used to deliberately hurt someone's feelings. If you're not sure if an insult is appropriate to use, it's always best to err on the side of caution and avoid using it altogether.
Strong & Nasty German Insults
If you are looking for stronger German insults, I'm afraid we are too polite to list them here.
But this YouTube video might help you out:
