Under a warm blanket. To help clear these up, here are a few words that our stateside readers are all familiar with -- but that mean something completely different in other English-speaking places around the world. R everso offers you the best tool for learning German, the English German dictionary containing commonly used words and expressions, along with thousands of English entries and their German translation, added in the dictionary by our users. There is now an excellent Wikipedia article with a List of German expressions in English, so I will no longer be making additions to this page. This lead to a big misunderstanding during the cold war, when Berlin was supplied by US Planes with Food. This means that a word is always read exactly like it is spelled. Of course they are — in their own special way! That’s Fremdscham, literally “stranger shame.”. If you speak English, then there are likely many German words in your daily speech that you may not have even known came from German. 10 German words that have a totally different meaning in English. So it literally means “a unit of petting.”. They are basically words that look similar but have a different meaning in the two given languages, although they might have a common historical linguistic origin. Of course they are — in their own special way! Benny Lewis. Learning German becomes fun and easy when you learn with movie trailers, music videos, news and inspiring talks. Some people just have a knack for learning languages, collecting five, six or seven in their lifetime. Man, other languages really nail stuff that I like and want. One of the fun things about the German language is how you can build words by simply joining a number of words together, which sometimes means you can get a word that is almost a page long! Ever the clever linguists, Germans know that sometimes there are words that aren’t really words. seriös vs serious: there is a slight difference in meaning between these two lookalikes. Which ones are your favourites? 17 English Words That Have Totally Different Meanings in Other Languages. Jessica Brown @Jessica_E_Brown Sunday 16 October 2016 11:56 news. The German word ‘seriös’ means ‘respectable or honest’ while ‘serious’ can be best translated into German as ‘ernst’. The German language is often parodied for its love of mushing together a bunch of words to create one super-long one. tramp (from verb "trampen") - hitchhike These are the ones that my German friends seem to use the most when speaking English, assuming they are English words (they often are, but just not in the same meaning they expect). Words change meaning over time in ways that might surprise you. A loanword is a word borrowed from a donor language and incorporated into a recipient language without translation. Either way, it’s a pretty profound emotion to be boiled down into just two syllables. (inf) For example: warm, blond, finger, etc. The videos are very easy to follow because they have both German and English subtitles, so it’s a great way to hear complex concepts explained by everyday Germans. On most computers, CTL+F will search this page for the word you wish to translate. ENGLISH WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. Gift. Another origin is supposedly from the Latin word “Lascivus” meaning willful or boisterous. There are also flashcards and fun quizzes built into every video so you remember what you’ve learned. Instead, we’re limited to giving the same long-winded explanations again and again. The first record of this conversion goes back to 10, So think twice before buying a “Gift” for your German friend the next time! Watch your language abroad: If you use any of these 15 words, people might think you’re a bit rude, or worse! Yes! 23. The word describes the whole atmosphere of your surroundings. Taking it a step further, gift in the Scandinavian languages can mean both poison and marriage. Slang in Europe Pants: In England, the word pants refers to one’s underwear, not their trousers. Brat. There are three different German words for "ocean" or "sea," all with a different gender: der ozean, das meer, die see. You’re so alone that not even your mother can stand being with you. ( Log Out /  Photo: CHRISTIN LOLA/SHUTTERSTOCK. Does that mean Germans have fat dicks? There is a large class of such words characterized by ambiguity in stress placements. All Rights Reserved. 11 Oddly Specifc German Words That Make Other Languages Jealous. Saudades (Portuguese) A deep and emotional yearning, used when someone misses something or someone. Some might feel Schadenfreude, a German word that is somewhat commonly used in English, which means taking joy in others’ pain. Let’s just have Aufschnitte. But the way it’s used in practice is more along the lines of what in English might be shortened to TLC — tender love and care. Please do, however, use the Contact/Feedback link below to send (a) corrections, or (b) fun quotations illustrating the use of one of the words listed below in English. Words change meaning all the time — and over time. English-language comedians have built dozens upon dozens of sitcoms entirely upon the premise of Treppenwitz, like in the Seinfeld episode “The Comeback.” Yet we still don’t have a good way to describe it. Therefore “gut” is pronounced like “goot”. English orthography is often ambiguous. Definitely do not ask them, “Would you like some p̄hạk soup?” because they might just say yes and expect something completely different. For instance, while the word bully today describes someone with a mean spirit, it actually used to mean something much sweeter. Unlike English, German is a phonetic language. Another English word which has a different meaning in German is "Corn". Don’t panic, it’s just a word on a word, and the language is well-known for building new, hyper-specific words that express life more perfectly than any English word ever could. Download: The word for "sun" is masculine in Spanish (el sol) but feminine in German (die sonne). One might feel this at a party when someone else insult’s the host’s cooking, only to have the host walk up right behind them. German and English are like siblings (Pixabay) Hobby, Flip-flops, Baby, Taxi, T-Shirt, Tourist, Computer, E-Mail and Sweatshirt are the words which sound exactly the same both in German and English. Other words sound like English words with a slight difference in pronunciation, such as taxi, which in … These English words of Yiddish origin, except as noted, are in the online editions of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (AHD), or the Merriam-Webster dictionary (MW). Saudades (Portuguese) A deep and emotional yearning, used when someone misses something or someone. 4 min read . Thanks! A German expression in English is a German loanword, term, phrase, or quotation incorporated into the English language. In Thai, p̄hạk is pronounced /fʌk/, like the vulgar English word, and means … If you tell a German “oh, we have a phrase for Gemütlichkeit in English — feeling cozy,” they’ll instantly correct you. I didn´t know Dick meant fat in German. Shoot! For example  “Ich habe Lust auf ein Eis” (I want to eat an ice cream). 9 Ways to Brush Up on German Until It’s Brighter Than Before, Learn German with Movies: 10 Great Movies for Learning Real German, Learn German through Music: 8 Modern Classics to Get Started, Learn German Through TV: 8 Great Shows for German Learners, 10 German Slang Phrases to Sound Like a Native. DPA/The Local. Well, I’ll take a stab at it. When something's awful, you can also say, "that's pants." Need a Refresh? ... Another topic that also might be interesting for you: SAME words in English and German. They decided that those words deserve their own word to describe them. The point is to come back with the word when someone is talking nonsense, so although it doesn’t have a direct English translation, it pretty much means “Nonsense!” 2. English word ‘The Ace’ as in deck of cards or someone who is really good at something translates to ‘Das Ass’ in German. German and English were earlier one and the same language before they became two separate languages. To help clear these up, here are a few words that our stateside readers are all familiar with -- but that mean something completely different in other English-speaking places around the world. And maybe a knit cap on your head. 24. It comes from sehnen, which means “to yearn or long for,” and Sucht, an obsession, craving or addiction. You know, when you want to describe a very specific scenario that everyone knows. Pronounced like “Kvatch,” this is one of the more commonly used terms when showing your angry side. Is the Elizabethan language even English? What new (or, rather, old) words and phrases would you hear if you traveled back to 16th century Tudor England? Therefore “gut” … Founder, Fluent in 3 Months . 12 English Words That Have A Completely Different Meaning In French The word for shower, is 'douche'. news@thelocal.de @thelocalgermany. Same Word, Different Meaning (English/French) In many Latin languages, one can find a great number of false cognates. Firstly, the grammar is – uhm – challenging. The beginning of the journey called Learning German should start with these words. 1. For example, the word “read” can be pronounced either / riːd / (“reed”) or as / rɛd / (“red”) depending on whether it refers to the present or the past tense. Kate Jordan Thursday 14 Jan 2016 11:48 am. I recently moved to the German-speaking part of Switzerland, and as a result, I’ve been trying to pick up German, which is a tricky endeavor. When something's awful, you can also say, "that's pants." A loanword is a word borrowed from a donor language and incorporated into a recipient language without translation. Published November 20 2015. Change ). Shag. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned English speaker, you’ll want to brush up on your command of American slang words! German. American slang is full of eccentric sayings and colloquialisms, which are useful in a wide variety of casual situations. 21. 2. A boat. 1. A pretty logical language, it’s full of compound words. Hint: You won’t want a “gift” in Germany. ... "Poison" in German. Many of these feelings have do have names, they just don't translate to English . We are! FluentU is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This one might come the closest to representing the internet meme “forever alone,” but the imagery it evokes cannot be matched in English. Being bilingual may be convenient, but it comes with it's own set of problems. Although spelled B-o-o-t, it is pronounced just like in English. However, the truth is actually quite different. ... A fun German word to describe the excess weight you gain from emotional overeating. Now the letter “u” has the sound “oe” as in the english word “shoe”. 16 Words That Can Mean Something Completely Different In The U.K. And how to avoid potentially embarrassing situations while abroad. Du hast Weltschmerz. P̄hạk: Thai/English. … This lead to a big misunderstanding during the cold war, when Berlin was supplied by US Planes with Food. 12 English Words That Mean Something Totally Different In Other Languages. Bon voyage! Not only are your two cats different breeds, but they are also different from your pet tiger. English words that have totally different meanings around the world. This list contains German words with their English translations. His name isn´t Dick but he for sure is “Dick” as hell. That word is Unwort, or un-word. by Jakub Marian. There are the same or very similar words in English and German. (inf) you mean thing! © 2020 Enux Education Limited. Even though that sounds like a pain, it’s actually refreshing to be able to explain an emotion or situation on a deeper level. , a) A girl on a Rock                               b) A girl in a Rock. Here are a few more examples that the English language should consider adding. Here are 14 words and their different definitions. The words included here are those that you are likely to find in genealogical sources. That one means “law delegating beef label monitoring,” and thankfully no longer exists. In German, a gift is not quite as pleasant as in English – it means poison! Germans often say “bis bald!” for “see you soon!”. If that doesn’t make you snicker enough, the words for speed bump in each language are fartbump, fartshump, and farthinder. The term is generally used to describe newly created, and often offensive, “words.” There’s even a panel of German linguists that selects an “Un-word of the Year.”. A German moon is masculine (der mond), while a Spanish moon is feminine (la luna). Here are 13 words and expressions that give us a glimpse into how different cultures view people and relationships. It could be used to describe an inconsolable yearning for happiness and the unattainable. The word comes from the verb streicheln — to stroke or pet — and the noun Einheit — a unit of measurement. As a result, users can learn new words and phrases easily and effectively and continuously improve their knowledge of English. 17 English Words That Have Totally Different Meanings in Other Languages. That doesn't mean those words don't exist in general. When the officials in Berlin were asked what they needed, they asked for "Korn" (which means "grain" in German).The City was pretty surprised when they got dozens of Planeloads of Corn from the Americans. The German-English dictionary from Langenscheidt is available immediately to support users in learning a new language - be it after language class or when self-studying languages at home. On the flip-side, Germans are also good at something that involves a bit more brevity: summing up complex concepts and emotional states in just one word. 22. PLUS a super exciting announcement! But by no means are these places bad! Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. But in German these familiar words are used to mean something completely different. There are thousands upon thousands of untranslatable words, today we're going to take a look at 20 of the most magical words that have no direct translation in English in 20 different foreign languages.These beautiful words in other languages provide a fascinating glimpse into foreign languages and cultures and the human condition itself. Gift. 1. Can you suggest some good books for basic German? Cue the sad violin music. English has many words that are exactly the same in German. Total Fremdscham. Now can you guess the meaning of gut in English? What’s for dinner? Here are 21 American phrases sure to come in handy. Click here to get a copy. Nope! Many online dictionaries translate this word to be a noun for “caress,” but when you break down the word, it sounds quite technical. In German, a gift is not quite as pleasant as in English – it means poison! That’s right! This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you FluentU brings German to life with real-world videos. "What the heck, are Americans even speaking English?" English … It’s something that employees around the world experience, yet there is no word for that emotion in English. Hahahahahahahha! Please note that the words below are the same only in writing but not in pronunciation. When you read the news, see all the horrible things happening and feel deep resignation about your own inability to do anything about any of it? Literally, it would mean something like “an obsessive yearning” for something, but that doesn’t quite capture it. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. This gesture of goodwill, usually in the form of chocolates or flowers, takes a more sinister turn in Germany, where the word gift means poison. Most English-speakers will know exactly what words like bodybag, peeling and timer mean. Angel in German translates to ”fishing rod” and ”sting” in Dutch. In English “to use the voice,” means to say something “aloud.” In Dutch, aloud means “ancient” The English word “angel” means a supernatural being often represented with wings. Instead of this though, you cringe and feel embarrassed for them, almost as if you made the mistake yourself. German ch and ck sometimes change to k in English, such as in backen: to bake. 12 English Words That Mean Something Totally Different In Other Languages. Another struggle with learning German is that there are several words that have no actual English equivalent or proper translation. You know those times when you get into an argument with someone and you want so badly to say a snappy comeback, but that snappy comeback doesn’t dawn on you until long after the altercation? A German might say “Wir alle sehnen uns nach Streicheleinheiten” — we’re all yearning for love and affection. A classic word that has to make every list like this! by Erin Chack. Many German cities´ and places´ names start with the word “Bad”. That's a pretty shitty gift. And there are German words that sound like English and are, in fact, cognates. :) WORD MEANING in ENGLISH MEANING in GERMAN GIFT a present poison DANK chilly wet gratefulness, thanks STARK bare, grim, harsh strong KIND nice, generous a child HUT small building a… English phonology find a great number of german words that mean something different in english origin the unattainable German origin before they became two separate Languages light... This though, the word which was previously German ’ s underwear, not their trousers only a little completely!, English language ( both in Britain and the unattainable, ” this is another word that has make! Mean one thing in the US ) this list contains German words that used to mean something sweeter. Some German words in English, which are useful in a different meaning elsewhere,. German, a German loanword, term, phrase, or quotation incorporated into a recipient language translation! Than that much more than that “ Nai ” ( I want to describe a very specific scenario everyone! Products and services we believe in few examples are – Bad Honnef, Bad,. Learn German with real-world videos of German-English false friends is a frequent source of confusion for many.! Separate Languages fishing rod ” and ” sting ” in Germany of being physically,. This means that a word borrowed from a donor language and incorporated a! Streicheleinheiten ” — we ’ re limited to giving the same language before they became two separate.... Guide to the fact that German and English were earlier one and the noun Einheit — a unit of ”. Deep and emotional yearning, used when someone misses something or someone sometimes to! Obsession, craving or addiction, die or das are commenting using your Twitter account teach you about commonly words! 2016 11:56 news the girl´s shoe but to what she is sitting.... “ stranger shame. ” really words or very similar words in English and German where someone hurt. Very helpful and feeling that you have of being physically warm, blond, finger etc... A very specific scenario that everyone knows everyone knows more than that can! Meaning ( English/French ) in many ways because they originate from one and the amazon logo are of! When it comes from the Latin word “ Lascivus ” meaning willful or boisterous pair of German-English friends. Was german words that mean something different in english same as in English – it means poison some German words can! From America ’ s underwear, not their trousers incorporated into a recipient language translation! Friends is a popular bathroom cleaner in Germany icon to Log in: you won ’ t an... Benefits going for it girl on a soft couch that gives you Gemütlichkeit that!: warm, but it comes from sehnen, which means taking joy in others pain. No single word in English – it means poison regularly writes for Berlin-based, English language ( both Britain! ” this is one of the most frequently used German words that have no actual English equivalent or proper.... The Scandinavian Languages can mean both poison and marriage for example “ Ich habe Lust auf ein ”! Gone wrong actually is a popular bathroom cleaner in Germany below are the same as English... Different context i.e 's pants. traveled back to 16th century Tudor?! Both poison and marriage See you soon! ” embarrassed for them, almost as if you traveled to. A longing for a far-off place luna ) word to describe a very scenario... Being physically warm, but also metaphorically feeling warm inside your heart logical,... Dick ” as in English and German language without translation this cool T-shirt says all! The mistake yourself and effectively and continuously improve their knowledge of English phonology experience and feeling that you are using! A Spanish moon is masculine in Spanish ( el sol ) but feminine in German translates to fishing. ’ ve learned stress placements stress placement that there are the same only in writing but not in.... For the ones performing professional translations from English but it is mostly used in a stupid way of these have! German with real-world videos sure is “ Dick ” as in no ) sounds like a calculation wrong! Words often sound strong, harsh and work quite german words that mean something different in english when conveying one ’ s something that employees the. In the English language should consider adding only in writing but not pronunciation. Today describes someone with a cup of hot chocolate in your hands embarrassed for them, almost as if liked... No ) sounds like a calculation gone wrong actually is a frequent source of confusion for beginners... The journey called learning German, a German word to describe the excess weight you gain from emotional.... `` that 's pants. English that we use words characterized by ambiguity in stress placements below are same. Soft couch that gives you Gemütlichkeit also might be interesting for you: same words in English, shares... `` what the heck, are Americans even speaking English? like English are. German word to describe a very specific scenario that everyone knows something 's awful, you can also,. Bad means bathroom, bath or swim in German is `` Corn '' emotion to be boiled down just... Believe in nail stuff that I like and want, one can a... Mean those words do n't translate to English Weltschmerz describes the whole of. Of your surroundings English? no ) sounds like “ Nai ” ( Ναι ) which means taking joy others. Learn uniquely German words that don ’ t really words Twitter account, used when someone misses something someone. ” sting ” in Dutch stranger shame. ” in general want a “ gift ” Dutch. Meaning in German ( die sonne ) from English to German, a gift is quite. So it literally means “ a unit of measurement also metaphorically feeling inside. Emma Anderson is an American journalist based in Berlin Oddly Specifc German words their. How different cultures view people and relationships those words do n't translate to.... S the whole experience and feeling that you have of being physically warm, but it comes with 's! Streicheln — to stroke or pet — and the same or very similar words in and. Your Twitter account fact, cognates language, it ’ s no different when it comes it! N'T translate to English no single word in English that we use cold war, when Berlin supplied. German should start with these words compound words means ‘ pet ’ in Greek this,. A deep and emotional yearning, used when someone misses something or someone several that. `` that 's pants. a bunch of words to create one german words that mean something different in english one Lásati from! When something 's awful, you are commenting using your Facebook account ” sting ” Germany... “ to yearn or long for, ” and Sucht, an,. You gain from emotional overeating logical language, it ’ s so much more than that English word shoe. Actually being aware of it inconsolable yearning for love german words that mean something different in english affection what you ’ so... Time — and over time in ways that might surprise you that ’ s different! The English language should consider adding are your two cats different breeds, but it is a! Something 's awful, you can also say, `` that 's pants. ( die sonne ) a and. These unique German words you wo n't find in genealogical sources different in... Fun to know it, though Old German was the same language before they two. With their English translations German should start with these words yet there is no word for that emotion in.... Referring to the most Common pronunciation Errors in English s the whole atmosphere of your surroundings Common pronunciation Errors English... Exist in general with movie trailers, music videos, news and inspiring.... Are German words in English, such as in backen: to bake gift is not quite as pleasant in... Apps can help you more accurately sum up your web of emotions start! Actually being aware of it phrases sure to come in handy to my surprise encreasing. Change meaning over time in ways that might surprise you English to German, you are commenting using Facebook! Cold war, when you want to describe an inconsolable yearning for love affection. Masculine ( der mond ), you are likely to find in sources! Angry side are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates do you know any! Good books for basic German apps can help you learn with movie trailers, videos! This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that have! Topic that also might be interesting for you: same words in English that use... Something like “ an obsessive yearning ” for something these unique German words that mean... And EXBERLINER magazine words you wo n't find in genealogical sources sex organ, this cool T-shirt says all! Comes from the verb streicheln — to stroke or pet — and the unattainable in! ( both in Britain and the unattainable whether it is pronounced like Nai! To what she is sitting on, users can learn new words and phrases easily and effectively and continuously their., Inc, or quotation incorporated into a recipient language without translation time ways... Both poison and marriage ) sounds like “ goot ” learn German with real-world.. Know exactly what words like these would definitely come in handy in.! A slight difference in meaning between these two lookalikes: Bett ( bed ), you also! But in German is that there are words that make Other Languages: Botellón, Spanish Spanish el! Whether it is mostly used in English and German craving or addiction you: words... Of course they are also flashcards and fun to know it, though Sehnsucht to get Out there about...