Faulpelz
The English phrase 'lazy bones' is translated into German as Faulpelz.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Faulpelz is an informal, slightly teasing term. You may also use the colloquial term Fauli to mean 'lazy'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to multiple lazy bones, use the plural form Faulpelze.
Did you know?
- The word Faulpelz literally translates to 'lazy fur', as it combines faul meaning 'lazy' and Pelz meaning 'fur'.
- German has many other compound words for lazy people, such as Schlafmütze, which literally means 'sleepycap'.
- The adjective faul can mean both 'lazy' and 'rotten', meaning a Faulpelz could metaphorically be seen as a 'rotten pelt'.
Examples in context
- Mein Bruder ist ein richtiger Faulpelz. Er liegt den ganzen Tag auf der Couch.My brother is a real lazybones. He lies on the couch all day.
- Du bist so ein Faulpelz!You are such a lazy bones!
- Hör auf, ein Faulpelz zu sein.Stop being a lazy bones.
Example conversation
Maximilian is still lying on the sofa while Hannah is cleaning.
- MaximilianIch entspanne mich gerade nur.I am just relaxing right now.
- HannahHilf mir bitte, du Faulpelz!Please help me, you lazy bones!
- MaximilianIn fünf Minuten stehe ich auf.I will get up in five minutes.
- HannahDas sagst du schon seit einer Stunde.You have been saying that for an hour.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Faulpelz, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Faulpelz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
