What does it mean word for word?
verdammt is the past participle of the verb verdammen, which means "to damn" or "to condemn".
Which one should you use?
While the English phrase "damn it" often includes a pronoun, the German verdammt is frequently used as a standalone exclamation without an accompanying object.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Different regional dialects have their own ways of expressing this: in Bavaria, you may hear Sakradi noch amoi!, in Austria Verdammt no amoi! and in Switzerland Verdammt no einisch!
How does it change in a sentence?
verdammt can be used as an interjection (as in "Damn it!"), but it is also frequently used as an adjective to modify nouns, such as in die verdammt schlechte Idee (the damn bad idea).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and the stress is on the second syllable: /fɛɐ̯.ˈdamt/.
Did you know?
- The regional Bavarian version Sakradi is derived from Sakrament, meaning 'sacrament', showing how religious terms were twisted into expletives.
- While verdammt is common, many Germans use 'mild' substitutes like mist meaning 'manure' to express the same frustration without using religious terminology.
- In some contexts, verdammt can be used as a positive intensifier, such as verdammt gut, meaning 'damn good'.
Examples in context
- Verdammt! Er ist mir wieder entwischt.Damn it! He's escaped me again.This example shows how to use verdammt to express frustration when someone escapes.Tatoeba #900465 by Esperantostern, translation #876050 by papabear
- Verdammt noch mal, Tom: ich sagte „Nein!“!Damn it, Tom. I said no!This example demonstrates using verdammt as an intensive part of a colloquial exclamation.Tatoeba #2987873 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2984433 by Hybrid
- Verdammt.Damn it.This example shows the use of verdammt as a simple, standalone exclamation.Tatoeba #1087061 by Esperantostern, translation #6099180 by mailohilohi
- Scheiße! Wo sind meine Autoschlüssel?Damn it! Where are my car keys?
- Sakradi noch amoi! Des hod ma grad noch gfehlt!Damn it! That's all I needed right now!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are trying to open a stuck window.
- LukasVerdammt, das Fenster klemmt!Damn it, the window is stuck!
- HannahLass mich mal versuchen, Lukas.Let me try, Lukas.
- HannahEs geht immer noch nicht.It still won't move.
- LukasDas ist verdammt frustrierend.That is damn frustrating.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry verdammt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
