Witz
/vɪt͡s/masculine
The German word for joke is Witz.
Witz is the most common and versatile term for a joke in German. Like in English, the phrase ein Witz can be used figuratively to describe something that is ridiculous or not to be taken seriously. If you want to refer specifically to a funny or humorous element within a joke or skit, you might hear the informal term Gag, which is borrowed from English.
Meaning: amusing story (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Witz is the noun used to name the joke itself, scherzen is the verb used to describe the act of joking or jesting. For a small, lighthearted joke or a bit of banter, you can use the diminutive form Witzchen.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Witz is Witze.
How do you pronounce it?
/vɪts/
Did you know?
- German has a specific tradition of Flachwitze, which are 'flat jokes'. These are intentional 'dad jokes' or puns that are so bad they become funny.
- In German, the expression Das ist doch nicht dein Ernst, oder? is often used where an English speaker might say 'You're joking!' It literally asks if the person is being serious.
- The word Witz is a direct relative of the English word 'wit'. In Old English, 'wit' referred to mental faculty and intelligence rather than just a quick sense of humor.
Examples in context
- Es war ein Witz.It was a joke.This sentence is useful for confirming that something was a joke using Witz.Tatoeba #1913447 by Zaghawa, translation #1577663 by rbbrbb
- Das ist ein Witz.That's a joke.This sentence is useful for identifying a specific thing as a joke using Witz.Tatoeba #1907071 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1897777 by CK
- Was für ein Witz!What a joke!This sentence is useful for expressing disbelief or emphasis with Witz.Tatoeba #6377048 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2549804 by CK
- Hast du einen guten Witz gehört?Have you heard a good joke?
- Erzähl mal einen guten Witz!Tell me a good joke!
- Das war ein lustiger Gag!That was a funny joke!
- Warum hat der Frosch schlechte Laune? Weil ihm ständig jemand ins Geschäft springt!Why is the frog in a bad mood? Because someone is always jumping into his business!
- 250 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are chatting during a lunch break.
- MaximilianIch habe einen lustigen Witz gehört.I heard a funny joke.
- JuliaErzähl ihn mir bitte schnell!Please tell it to me quickly!
- MaximilianEin Mann geht in eine Bäckerei…A man goes into a bakery…
- JuliaDer Witz ist wirklich sehr lustig!The joke is really very funny!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “joke” translations and entries Witz, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Witz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
