Ich muss kacken
/ɪç mʊs ˈkakən/word by word
The English phrase "I have to poop" is translated into German as Ich muss kacken.
Ich muss kacken is a commonly used informal phrase to convey the need to use the toilet for bowel movements.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb kacken is a vulgar term for defecating, similar to the English word "to shit" or a very blunt "to poop".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ich muss kacken is a blunt or vulgar way to express the need to defecate. For a more polite and socially acceptable way to express the same need, use Ich muss mal auf die Toilette. If you wish to use a common colloquial euphemism to avoid the vulgarity of kacken, you can say Ich muss mal groß. In very formal situations, you can use the expression Ich habe ein dringendes Bedürfnis, which translates to "I have an urgent need".
How does it change in a sentence?
In this specific phrase, the verb kacken appears in its infinitive form at the end of the sentence because it follows the modal verb muss.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɪç mʊs ˈkakən/
Did you know?
- German children often use the word kacke in the playful but slightly naughty phrase Kacke in die Hand, which is used during games or teasing.
- The vulgar verb kacken is actually a linguistic relative of the Latin verb cacāre, which is the root of the English word 'caca'.
- In many German regions, people will simply say Ich muss mal and leave the sentence unfinished, as the context of the bathroom makes the meaning clear.
Examples in context
- Entschuldigung, ich muss dringend kacken. Wo ist die Toilette?Excuse me, I urgently have to poop. Where is the restroom?
- Kann ich bitte auf die Toilette? Ich muss groß.Can I please use the restroom? I have to poop.
- Entschuldigung, ich habe ein dringendes Bedürfnis. Könnten Sie mir bitte sagen, wo sich die Toiletten befinden?Excuse me, I have an urgent need. Could you please tell me where the restrooms are?
- Ich muss kacken.I have to poop.
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are on a long road trip.
- HannahJulian, halte bitte an, ich muss kacken!Julian, please pull over, I have to poop!
- JulianJetzt schon? Wir sind doch gerade erst losgefahren.Already? We just started driving.
- HannahJa, es ist ein Notfall!Yes, it is an emergency!
- JulianNa gut, ich suche die nächste Tankstelle.Alright, I'll look for the nearest gas station.
