Faulpelz
The German phrase for lazy bum is Faulpelz.
Faulpelz is used to describe a lazy bum. If you want to talk about the abstract concept of laziness, the related noun Faulheit is used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Faulpelz is an informal and slightly mocking term, though it is generally considered less offensive than actual profanity. Similarly, Faulenzer is a colloquial term.
How does it change in a sentence?
Faulpelz is a masculine noun and follows standard German noun declension.
Did you know?
- The word faul is used for both people who are lazy and fruit that has gone rotten. In German, a 'lazy' apple and a 'rotten' apple use the same adjective.
- The word Faulpelz literally translates to 'lazy fur'.
- Using Faulpelz can sometimes sound almost cute or endearing depending on your tone, much like 'lazybones' in English.
Examples in context
- Ein totaler FaulenzerA complete idler
- Mein Bruder ist wirklich ein Faulenzer. Er liegt den ganzen Tag nur auf der Couch.My brother is really a lazy bum. He just lies on the couch all day.
- Der Chef hat gesagt, ich solle aufhören, ein Faulpelz zu sein und endlich meine Arbeit erledigen.The boss told me to stop being a lazy bum and finally get my work done.
- Du bist so ein Faulpelz!You are such a lazy bum!
- Mein Bruder ist ein totaler Faulpelz.My brother is a total lazy bum.
- Hör auf, ein Faulpelz zu sein.Stop being a lazy bum.
Example conversation
Julia and Lukas are sitting in a messy living room.
- JuliaLukas, räum endlich dein Zimmer auf!Lukas, finally clean up your room!
- LukasIch mache das später, Julia.I will do that later, Julia.
- JuliaDu bist wirklich ein Faulpelz.You really are a lazy bum.
- LukasDas ist nicht fair.That is not fair.
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.
