pinkeln gehen
/ˈpɪŋkəln ˈɡeːən/word by word
The English phrase "go pee" can be translated into German as pinkeln gehen.
This phrase is an informal way to express that one needs to urinate.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpɪŋkəln ˈɡeːən/
Did you know?
- In Germany, it is common to use the euphemism ich muss mal (I just have to) to signal the need to urinate without mentioning the act at all.
- The word pinkeln is related to the word Pinkel, which originally referred to the 'pinky finger' or the 'penis'.
- German speakers often use the child-like word Pipi machen instead of pinkeln gehen when speaking to toddlers or in very cute contexts.
Examples in context
- Ich muss kurz pinkeln gehen.I need to go pee quickly.
- Kann ich mal kurz pinkeln gehen?Can I go pee for a second?
- Wir sollten mal pinkeln gehen.We should go pee.
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are taking a break during a long walk.
- FelixIch muss jetzt echt mal pinkeln gehen.I really need to go pee now.
- JuliaEs gibt dort drüben eine Toilette, Felix.There is a toilet over there, Felix.
- FelixDanke, ich gehe schnell pinkeln gehen.Thanks, I'll go pee quickly.
- JuliaAlles klar, ich warte hier auf dich.All right, I'll wait for you here.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (pinkeln, gehen) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gehen, pinkeln, CC BY-SA 4.0.
