Zocken
/ˈtsɔkən/
The English phrase gaming is translated into German as Zocken.
The term refers to gaming or playing video games.
Which one should you use?
While Spielen is the general word for to play, Zocken specifically implies playing games, often with a connotation of playing for a long time or playing competitively/gambling-style.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term Zocken is an informal, colloquial way to refer to gaming. Zockerei is also an informal and playful variation of the word.
How does it change in a sentence?
While the noun form is Zocken, the verb is zocken.
Did you know?
- The word Zocken traces its roots back to the Yiddish word tskhoken, which originally meant 'to gamble'.
- If you say you are 'am Zocken', you are using a common colloquial construction that treats the verb like a continuous action.
- The word zocken is often used in German slang to describe any high-risk activity, not just games.
Examples in context
- Hallo Leute! Wer hat heute Lust zu zocken?Hello, guys! Who feels like gaming today?
- Wir wollen heute Abend nur zocken.We just want to do some gaming tonight.
- Möchtest du mit mir zocken?Do you want to game with me?
- Er verbringt viel Zeit mit Zocken.He spends a lot of time gaming.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking on the phone about their weekend plans.
- LauraHast du Lust, morgen zu zocken?Do you feel like gaming tomorrow?
- FelixJa, gerne! Wann fangen wir an?Yes, I'd love to! When do we start?
- LauraVielleicht gegen acht Uhr.Maybe around eight o'clock.
- FelixAlles klar, Laura. Bis dann!All right, Laura. See you then!
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry zocken.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries zocken, CC BY-SA 4.0.
