verdammt
/fɛɐ̯.ˈdamt/
The German phrase for "dang it" is verdammt.
verdammt is an informal exclamation used to express frustration or annoyance. It can be used as a standalone exclamation to express sudden frustration, much like the English "Damn!" or "Dang it!" Additionally, the slang term Mist! can also be used to express annoyance or frustration.
What does it mean word for word?
verdammt is the past participle of the verb verdammen, which means "to damn". Literally, it means "damned".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
verdammt is an informal exclamation.
How does it change in a sentence?
To intensify the exclamation, it is very common to add noch mal to the end, forming verdammt noch mal. This is similar to saying "damn it all" in English.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /fɛɐ̯.ˈdamt/. The stress is on the second of two syllables.
Did you know?
- While verdammt is common, Germans often use the word Mist!, which literally translates to 'manure' or 'dung', to express the same frustration.
- In some regions of Germany, instead of verdammt, people might say Kruzifix!, which invokes the crucifix to express anger.
- The word verdammt is often used as an adjective in German to describe something as 'extremely' or 'awfully' good, such as in the phrase verdammt gut.
Examples in context
- Verdammt, ich habe meinen Schlüssel vergessen.Dang it, I forgot my key.
- Verdammt, der Bus ist schon weg!Dang it, the bus is already gone!
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are looking for a lost earring in the grass.
- MaximilianVerdammt, ich kann sie nicht finden.Dang it, I cannot find it.
- SarahKeine Sorge, Maximilian, wir finden sie bestimmt.Don't worry, Maximilian, we will surely find it.
- MaximilianDas ist verdammt frustrierend.That is damn frustrating.
- SarahSchau mal dort unter dem Baum!Look over there under the tree!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry verdammt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
