Popel
/ˈpoːpəl/masculine
The English word booger is translated into German as Popel. Wiktionary also lists Schleim.
Meaning: a piece of solid or semi-solid mucus (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Popel | /ˈpoːpəl/ | masculine |
| Schleim | /ʃlaɪ̯m/ | masculine |
The term Popel is used to describe a piece of solid or semi-solid mucus. It is an informal word generally used in casual or childish contexts.
Which one should you use?
While Popel refers specifically to a dried booger, Schleim is a more general term used for liquid mucus or slime.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Popel is a masculine noun. It does not change in the plural, so Popel can mean both a booger and boogers.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpoːpəl/
Did you know?
- The term Popel might actually trace its roots back to the Latin word populus, which refers to a poplar tree or a people.
Examples in context
- Du hast da ’n Popel im Haar!You've got a booger on your hair.This sentence is useful for pointing out that someone has a Popel in their hair.Tatoeba #12192628 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2816104 by mervert1
- Ich habe einen Popel in der Nase.I have a booger in my nose.
- Kannst du mir ein Taschentuch geben? Mein Rotz ist überall.Can you give me a tissue? My boogers are everywhere.
- Er hat einen Popel an der Nase.He has a booger on his nose.
- Ich habe einen kleinen Popel im Gesicht.I have a small booger on my face.
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are sitting together on a sofa.
- HannahLukas, du hast einen Popel in der Nase.Lukas, you have a booger in your nose.
- LukasWas? Wo genau?What? Where exactly?
- HannahDa rechts, man kann ihn sehen.There on the right, you can see it.
- LukasOh, danke, dass du es mir gesagt hast.Oh, thanks for telling me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “booger” translations and entries Popel, Schleim, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Popel, Schleim, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
