Teufel
/ˈtɔɪ̯fəl/masculine
The English word "devil" is translated into German as Teufel. Wiktionary also lists Tüüfel.
Meaning: evil creature (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Teufel | /ˈtɔɪ̯fəl/ | masculine |
| Tüüfel | Alemannic German, masculine |
Teufel refers to an evil creature. It can also be used as a name for the chief devil, such as in the word Satan. The phrase zum Teufel is often used in idiomatic exclamations to express frustration, similar to saying "to hell with…" in English.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Tüüfel is a dialectal variation of the word used in Alemannic German dialects, such as those spoken in parts of Switzerland or Southwestern Germany.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Teufel remains Teufel, following a pattern where the noun does not change in the plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtɔɪ̯fəl/
Did you know?
- The word Teufel is used in the common German idiom den Teufel an die Wand malen, which means to predict a bad outcome or 'paint the devil on the wall'.
- When someone is exceptionally fast or energetic, Germans might call them a Teufelskerl, which translates to 'devil of a fellow'.
- The English word 'devil' and the German Teufel are distant linguistic cousins, both tracing back to the same Ancient Greek word meaning 'slanderer'.
Examples in context
- Zum Teufel mit dir!To the devil with you!This sentence shows how to use Teufel in a frustrated exclamation.Tatoeba #705933 by Esperantostern, translation #448192 by rul
- Wo wohnt der Teufel?Where does the devil live?This sentence is a question about the dwelling place of the Teufel.Tatoeba #1759510 by al_ex_an_der, translation #2168788 by Dejo
- Was, zum Teufel, tust du?What the devil are you doing?This sentence uses Teufel within an idiomatic way to express surprise or annoyance in a question.Tatoeba #460152 by landano, translation #27518 by CK
- Der Teufel ist oft als böser Bösewicht dargestellt, der die Menschen in Versuchung führt.The devil is often depicted as an evil villain who tempts people.
- 75 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are looking at an old, creepy painting in a museum.
- FelixSiehst du den Teufel auf dem Bild?Do you see the devil in the picture?
- LauraJa, er sieht wirklich furchteinflößend aus.Yes, he looks really terrifying.
- FelixDer Teufel hat sehr rote Augen.The devil has very red eyes.
- LauraDas ist ein gruseliges Kunstwerk.That is a creepy work of art.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “devil” translations and entries Teufel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Teufel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
