Kumpel
[ˈkʊmpl̩]masculine
The German word for buddy is Kumpel.
Kumpel is a common term used in informal speech to mean a buddy or pal. Additionally, the English term Buddy has been adopted into informal German language.
Meaning: friend or casual acquaintance (pron)
Which one should you use?
While the standard German word Freund implies a deep emotional bond or a true friend, Kumpel often refers to a casual acquaintance or a companion one hangs out with.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Kumpel is a colloquial term. It is less formal than the standard word for friend, Freund.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Kumpel is Kumpels.
Did you know?
- The word Kumpel originally referred to a fellow worker in a coal mine, specifically a mining companion who relies on one another for survival. Over time, this bond of professional brotherhood transitioned into the casual term for a buddy we use today.
- The word Kumpel is historically linked to the word Kumpe, which referred to a drinking vessel. This suggests the term may have originally described companions who shared a drink.
- While English speakers use 'buddy' for almost any male peer, using Kumpel in German can sometimes carry a subtle connotation of being a 'rough' or 'unrefined' person, often associated with working-class culture.
Examples in context
- Er war mein Kumpel.He was my buddy.This sentence illustrates how to use Kumpel to describe a person in the past.Tatoeba #8479882 by Luiaard, translation #8479725 by CH
- Was immer du sagst, Kumpel.Whatever you say, buddy.This sentence shows how to address someone directly using Kumpel.Tatoeba #2164873 by Esperantostern, translation #11011800 by shekitten
- Was man haben sollte, sind Freunde, Kumpel!Something you should have is friends, buddy!This sentence demonstrates using Kumpel in an enthusiastic way to emphasize the value of companionship.Tatoeba #12544017 by Waldelfe, translation #10306096 by terrywallwork
- Hi, Kumpel! Hast du Lust, dieses Wochenende etwas zu unternehmen?Hey, buddy! Do you want to do something this weekend?
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Hannah are talking at a café.
- MaximilianHannah, darf ich meinen Kumpel vorstellen?Hannah, may I introduce my buddy?
- HannahSehr gerne, Maximilian!With pleasure, Maximilian!
- MaximilianDas ist mein Kumpel Lukas.This is my buddy Lukas.
- HannahHallo Lukas, schön dich kennenzulernen.Hello Lukas, nice to meet you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “buddy” translations and entries Kumpel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kumpel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
