Heulsuse
/ˈhɔɪ̯lzuːzə/feminine
The English phrase 'crybaby' is translated into German as Heulsuse. If unsure, use Heulsuse. Wiktionary also lists Heulliese.
Meaning: person whose feelings are easily hurt (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Heulsuse | /ˈhɔɪ̯lzuːzə/ | feminine |
| Heulliese | feminine |
The word refers to a person whose feelings are easily hurt.
What does it mean word for word?
Heulsuse is a compound of heulen (to howl or cry) and Suse (a common female name used here as a diminutive or suffix for a person).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Heulsuse is a colloquial term used in an insulting or teasing manner. If you want to be more polite, you can use Sensibelchen, which translates to 'sensitive one' and provides a softer way of describing someone who cries easily.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term Heulsuse is grammatically feminine, meaning it is typically used to refer to a female person.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈhɔɪ̯lzuːzə/
Did you know?
- Even though the word is grammatically feminine, it is often used to insult men as well, though it may sound slightly more patronizing in those cases.
- In some regional dialects, the variant Heulliese is used, replacing Suse with another traditional female name, Liese.
- The more polite alternative Sensibelchen uses the diminutive '-chen', which can make the insult feel almost 'cute' or condescendingly sweet.
Examples in context
- Eine Heulsuse mag niemand.Nobody likes a crybaby.This sentence is useful for showing how to express that a crybaby is not liked.Tatoeba #12427922 by Waldelfe, translation #12204751 by CK
- Er ist nach wie vor eine Heulsuse.He's a crybaby, just like always.This sentence is useful for describing someone who continues to act like a crybaby.Tatoeba #1556409 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #300862 by CK
- Entschuldigen Sie, aber er ist ein Sensibelchen.Excuse me, but he is a crybaby.
- Er ist eine richtige Heulsuse!He is such a crybaby!
- Sie reagiert auf jede Kritik wie eine Mimose.She reacts to any criticism like a crybaby.
- Sei doch nicht so eine Heulsuse!Don't be such a crybaby!
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are discussing a movie that made Felix sad.
- LauraWarum weinst du denn schon?Why are you crying already?
- FelixDer Film war einfach traurig.The movie was just sad.
- LauraDu bist echt eine Heulsuse, Felix.You really are a crybaby, Felix.
- FelixDas stimmt vielleicht.That might be true.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “crybaby” translations and entries Heulsuse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
