Kumpel
[ˈkʊmpl̩]masculine
The English phrase homie is translated into German as Kumpel.
Kumpel is an informal term that refers to a good friend or buddy.
Meaning: a friend, somebody one often hangs out with (noun)
Which one should you use?
The term Kollege (male) typically refers to a colleague or coworker but can also be used among friends. The English loanword Dude is used as a synonym for 'homie' among some younger Germans.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Kumpel is a colloquial and informal term.
How does it change in a sentence?
Kumpel is a masculine noun.
Did you know?
- The word Kumpel is derived from Kumpe, which was a term for a drinking vessel or a cup, suggesting the bond of sharing a drink.
- While Kumpel is masculine, it is often used as a gender-neutral term in very casual settings, though Kumpeline is sometimes used jokingly for a female friend.
- If you call a coworker your Kumpel, you are signaling that your relationship has moved beyond the office and into your private life.
Examples in context
- Hey, Kumpel, willst du heute Abend ins Kino gehen?Hey, homie, do you want to go to the cinema tonight?
- Yo, Dude, was geht ab?Yo, homie, what's up?
- Er ist mein bester Kumpel.He is my best homie.
- Ich gehe mit einem Kumpel ins Kino.I am going to the cinema with a homie.
- Dein Kumpel ist echt nett.Your homie is really nice.
Example conversation
Sarah and Lukas are talking about their weekend plans.
- SarahGehst du heute Abend aus?Are you going out tonight?
- LukasJa, ich treffe einen Kumpel im Kino.Yes, I'm meeting a homie at the cinema.
- SarahCool, viel Spaß euch beiden!Cool, have fun you two!
- LukasDanke, Sarah!Thanks, Sarah!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “homie” translations and entries Kumpel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kumpel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
