Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| verdammt | /fɛɐ̯.ˈdamt/ |
| Mist | /ˈmɪst/ |
The word verdammt is used as an intensifier or an exclamation of frustration. You might use the idiomatic phrase verdammt noch mal to add emphasis to your frustration, functioning much like 'damn it' or 'damn it all' in English. Other related forms include the verbs verdammen and verfluchen, which are used in a theological context to mean 'to condemn'.
Which one should you use?
While verdammt acts as an intensifier or an exclamation, Mist is a noun used as a mild interjection to express annoyance, similar to saying 'crap' or 'shoot' in English. For a softer or more euphemistic alternative to verdammt, you can use verflixt, which is similar to saying 'darn' or 'blasted'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Verflixt is an informal, softer version of verdammt, acting as a euphemism. Mist is also a mild way to express annoyance.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Mist is a common exclamation in southern Germany and in Austria.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When verdammt is used as an adjective modifying a masculine noun in the accusative case, it takes the ending '-en' to become verdammten.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /fɛɐ̯.ˈdamt/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- While Mist is used as a mild exclamation for annoyance, its literal meaning is 'manure' or 'dung'.
- While verdammt sounds similar to 'damn', it is often used as a positive intensifier to mean 'extremely', such as in verdammt gut for 'damn good'.
- The euphemism verflixt is derived from verfluchen, meaning 'to curse', but it has lost its religious weight to become a playful or mild annoyance.
Examples in context
- Atme, verdammt noch mal!Breathe, damn you!This sentence shows how to use verdammt in an emphatic exclamation.Tatoeba #8444223 by Zitronensaft, translation #2027626 by halfb1t
- Verdammt ist das kalt draußen.Damn, it's chilly out.This sentence demonstrates verdammt used as an exclamation regarding the weather.Tatoeba #1305752 by Vortarulo, translation #1305747 by Legion
- Ich hasse diesen verdammten Song.I hate that damn song.This sentence shows the adjective form verdammten modifying a masculine noun.Tatoeba #5064373 by dispy, translation #5055671 by WahahaDrills
- Das ist wirklich verflucht!This is truly accursed!
- Verdammt, ich bin spät dran!Damn it, I'm running late!
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are trying to fix a broken coffee machine.
- FelixVerdammt, sie funktioniert schon wieder nicht!Damn, it is not working again!
- SarahDas ist wirklich ärgerlich.That is really annoying.
- FelixIch brauche jetzt dringend einen Kaffee.I desperately need a coffee right now.
- SarahLass uns einfach kurz rausgehen.Let's just step outside for a moment.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “damn” translations and entries verdammt, Mist, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
