Aprilscherz
The English phrase "April fools' day" can be translated into German as Aprilscherz.
If you wish to refer specifically to the calendar day of April 1st, use erster April.
Meaning: First day of April (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Aprilscherz is a compound noun consisting of April and Scherz, which means "joke". It literally translates to "April joke".
Which one should you use?
Aprilscherz is used when talking about the prank or the joke itself, whereas erster April is the term for the actual date on the calendar.
When do people say it?
If you play a prank on someone, it is a good idea to say Aprilscherz! to indicate that you were joking, similar to saying "April Fool!" in English.
Did you know?
- While an English speaker might say 'April Fool!', a German speaker might simply exclaim April, April! to reveal the trick.
- In certain parts of Bavaria, the day is traditionally associated with the 'Schabernack', a word often used to describe a prank or a mischievous person.
- The concept of the Aprilscherz is so integrated into culture that some German companies use the day to announce fake products as a marketing strategy.
Examples in context
- Ja, da können wir richtig gute Aprilscherze machen!Yes, we can play some really good pranks on that day!
- Was hast du am 1. April gemacht?What did you do on the 1st of April?
- Wir haben uns gegenseitig reingelegt, es war sehr lustig!We pranked each other, it was very funny!
- Hast du einen Aprilscherz geplant?Have you planned an April Fools' joke?
- Das war nur ein Aprilscherz.That was just an April Fools' joke.
Example conversation
Julia and Julian are talking at the office.
- JuliaJulian, dein Computer ist kaputt!Julian, your computer is broken!
- JulianWas? Wo ist das Problem?What? Where is the problem?
- JuliaEntspann dich, es ist ein Aprilscherz!Relax, it's an April Fools' joke!
- JulianDu hast mich echt erschreckt, Julia.You really scared me, Julia.
