Eier
/ˈaɪ̯ər/plural
The English phrase "balls" can be translated into German as Eier. Wiktionary also lists Klöten.
Meaning: slang for testicles (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Eier | /ˈaɪ̯ər/ | plural |
| Klöten | /ˈkløːtən/ | masculine, plural, singular |
In German, Eier is used as an informal slang term for testicles. It is also used idiomatically in the phrase Eier haben, which describes having courage or guts, similar to the English expression "to have balls".
Which one should you use?
Eier is the plural form used for this slang term. Klöten is a more colloquial and vulgar alternative.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Eier is an informal term, whereas the anatomically accurate and formal word for testicles is Hoden. Klöten is both colloquial and vulgar.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaɪ̯ər/
Did you know?
- The word Klöten is a linguistic relative of the High German word Kloß, which means 'dumpling'.
- If you call someone an Eierkopf, you are not talking about their anatomy, but calling them an 'egg-head' or a fool.
- The word Klöten originates from Low German, a dialect group spoken in Northern Germany, rather than the Standard High German used in schools.
Examples in context
- Er hat sich die Eier gekrault.He scratched his balls.This sentence shows the use of Eier in a physical context.Tatoeba #2056199 by Zaghawa, translation #1996926 by Spamster
- Wenn du ihm wehtust, schneide ich dir die Eier ab.If you hurt him, I'll cut your balls off.This sentence shows the use of Eier in a threatening context.Tatoeba #3292403 by Manfredo, translation #1617640 by Shishir
- Du hast nicht die Eier dafür, diesen Satz zu übersetzen.You haven't got the balls to translate this sentence.This sentence illustrates the idiomatic use of Eier to mean having courage.Tatoeba #1001945 by Esperantostern, translation #906420 by sacredceltic
- Die Hoden spielen eine wichtige Rolle bei der Fortpflanzung des MenschenThe testicles play an important role in human reproduction
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are talking about a dangerous dare.
- HannahTraust du dich wirklich?Do you really dare to do it?
- LukasKlar, ich habe Eier!Sure, I've got balls!
- HannahIch glaube dir nicht.I don't believe you.
- LukasWarte ab und sieh nach.Wait and see.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “balls” translations and entries Eier, Klöten, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Klöten, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
