war nur Spaß
The English phrase "just kidding" can be expressed in German as war nur Spaß.
You use these phrases to indicate that you were not being serious or that what you previously said was intended as a joke.
Meaning: I wasn’t serious, it was only a joke (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase war nur Spaß literally translates to "was only fun".
Which one should you use?
you might also use War nur ein Witz! to mean "Was just a joke!" or War nicht ernst gemeint to clarify that a statement "wasn't meant seriously".
How does it change in a sentence?
You can also say war nur ein Spaß by adding the indefinite article ein to the phrase, which translates to "was only a joke".
Did you know?
- The word Spaß is also used in the compound Spaßvogel, which literally means 'fun bird' to describe a prankster.
- The German word Spaß was originally borrowed from the Italian word spasso.
- If you use the phrase war nur Spaß in a very formal business setting in Germany, it can sometimes come across as dismissive rather than lighthearted.
Examples in context
- War nur ein Witz! Ich habe eine Verkleidungsparty heute Abend.Just kidding! I have a costume party tonight.
- Keine Sorge, das war nur Spaß.Don't worry, it was just a joke.
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are talking at a cafe.
- LauraDu hast bestimmt vergessen, mir zu schreiben!You surely forgot to write to me!
- FelixWas? Nein, gar nicht!What? No, not at all!
- LauraEntschuldigung, das war nur Spaß.Sorry, I was just kidding.
- FelixDu hast mich echt erschreckt, Laura.You really scared me, Laura.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Spaß, nur, war, CC BY-SA 4.0.
