Aprilscherz
The English phrase "April fools" is translated into German as Aprilscherz.
Aprilscherz refers to a practical joke played on someone on the first of April.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Rhineland, a common alternative to 'April, April' is April, April, jeck, jeck, jeck.
Did you know?
- A German might use the phrase jemanden auf den Arm nehmen, which means 'to take someone on the arm', to describe the act of playing an Aprilscherz.
- In many German-speaking regions, the tradition involves congratulating someone on a fake achievement, such as an engagement or a promotion, to see if they believe the lie.
- The Rhineland dialect version, April, April, jeck, jeck, jeck, introduces the word jeck, a term deeply tied to the local Carnival culture rather than just the month of April.
Examples in context
- Das war ein lustiger Aprilscherz.That was a funny April Fools' joke.
- Ein Aprilscherz kann manchmal ärgerlich sein.An April Fools' joke can sometimes be annoying.
- Planst du heute einen Aprilscherz?Are you planning an April Fools' joke today?
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are talking about a prank played on their friend.
- LauraWar das ein Aprilscherz von Lukas?Was that an April Fools' joke from Lukas?
- LukasJa, er hat uns alle reingelegt.Yes, he tricked all of us.
- LauraSein Aprilscherz war wirklich sehr kreativ.His April Fools' joke was really very creative.
- LukasStimmt, er ist ein guter Scherzklaus.True, he is a good joker.
