Kater
/ˈkaː.tɐ/masculine
The English phrase "hangover" is translated into German as Kater. Wiktionary also lists Katzenjammer.
Meaning: negative effects caused by heavy drinking (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kater | /ˈkaː.tɐ/ | masculine |
| Katzenjammer | /ˈkatsənjamɐ/ | dated, masculine |
The term refers to the negative effects caused by heavy drinking.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Kater literally means "male cat".
Which one should you use?
Kater is the common, everyday term used for a hangover, whereas Katzenjammer is an older, more literary term.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Katzenjammer is a dated or old-fashioned way to refer to a hangover.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because Kater is a masculine noun, you must use the accusative form einen Kater when saying you "have" a hangover (for example, Ich habe einen Kater).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkaː.tɐ/. The word has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The term Katzenjammer likely evolved from Kotzen-Jammer, which literally translates to 'puke-misery'.
Examples in context
- Er hat einen Kater.He has a hangover.This sentence is useful for saying someone else has a hangover using Kater.Tatoeba #9985731 by wolfgangth, translation #8479985 by CH
- Ich habe einen Kater.I have a hangover.This sentence is useful for saying you have a hangover using Kater.Tatoeba #1314870 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #280988 by CK
- Ich habe heute einen Kater.I have a hangover today.Tatoeba #696573 by Manfredo, translation #242651 by CK
- Ich habe einen schlimmen KaterI have a terrible hangover
- Tut mir leid, ich leide unter alkoholbedingten KopfschmerzenI'm sorry, I'm suffering from alcohol-induced headache
- Heute plagt mich ein BrummschädelToday I'm plagued by a hangover
- Ich habe heute eine KaterstimmungI'm in a hangover mood today
- Mein Kopf brummt wie eine Trommel.My head is throbbing like a drum.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are in the kitchen on a Sunday morning.
- HannahHast du einen Kater?Do you have a hangover?
- LukasJa, mein Kater ist schrecklich.Yes, my hangover is terrible.
- HannahSoll ich dir einen Kaffee bringen?Should I bring you a coffee?
- LukasDas wäre sehr nett, danke.That would be very nice, thanks.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hangover” translations and entries Kater, Katzenjammer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kater, Katzenjammer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
