Bastard
/ˈbastart/masculine
The English word bastard can be translated into German as Bastard, Mistkerl or Hurensohn.
Meaning: contemptible etc. person (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bastard | /ˈbastart/ | masculine |
| Mistkerl | /ˈmɪs(t)ˌkɛʁl/ | masculine |
| Hurensohn | [ˈhuːʁn̩ˌzoːn] (narrow) [ˈhuːɐ̯nˌzoːn] (narrow) |
masculine |
The primary translation, Bastard, refers to a contemptible person and is used as a derogatory noun. It can also be used as an exclamation of dismay. In informal settings, Drecksack is another term often used as a strong insult.
Which one should you use?
While Bastard is a strong insult, Hurensohn is a significantly more aggressive and vulgar term in German, often used in heated confrontations or street slang. In contrast, Mistkerl is generally considered a milder, less offensive way to call someone a bastard or a jerk.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbastart/
Did you know?
- Using Hurensohn in Germany can potentially lead to legal consequences or fines for 'Beleidigung' (insult) if reported to the police.
- While Hurensohn is a vulgar insult, its structure is a direct linguistic relative of the archaic English word 'whoreson'.
- The word Mistkerl contains the word Mist, which literally means 'dung' or 'manure'. Calling someone a 'dung guy' is the hidden logic behind the insult.
Examples in context
- Dich Bastard bring ich um!You bastard, I'll kill you!This sentence shows how to use Bastard in a direct threat.Tatoeba #2592815 by al_ex_an_der, translation #2592809 by WestofEden
- Bastard!Bastard!This sentence demonstrates using Bastard as a sudden exclamation.Tatoeba #7778233 by BerlinJakarta, translation #434306 by lukaszpp
- Worum es im Krieg geht, ist nicht, für sein Vaterland zu sterben, sondern dafür zu sorgen, dass der andere Bastard für sein Vaterland stirbt.The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his.This sentence illustrates using Bastard to describe an enemy in a political or military context.Tatoeba #860346 by Esperantostern, translation #838248 by Scott
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are arguing after a betrayal.
- MaximilianIch kann es nicht glauben, dass du gelogen hast.I can't believe that you lied.
- JuliaEs war die einzige Lösung in dieser Situation.It was the only solution in this situation.
- MaximilianDu bist ein verdammter Bastard, Maximilian!You are a damn bastard, Maximilian!
- JuliaBeruhige dich jetzt bitte.Please calm down now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bastard” translations and entries Bastard, Mistkerl, Hurensohn, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bastard, Hurensohn, Mistkerl, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
