Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kumpel | [ˈkʊmpl̩] (narrow) | colloquial, masculine |
| Freund | /frɔʏ̯nt/ | |
| Kollege | /kɔˈleːɡə/ | colloquial, masculine |
Kumpel is a colloquial term used to refer to a male friend or buddy in an informal, casual setting. The related verb sich paaren is an intransitive verb meaning to copulate.
Which one should you use?
While Kumpel is a colloquial term for a mate or buddy, Freund is the standard word for a friend and can also imply a romantic partner. Kollege can also be used colloquially to mean 'mate', but it specifically carries the connotation of someone you work with or share a professional environment with.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Kumpel and Kollege are both colloquial terms, whereas Freund is the standard, non-colloquial form. Among friends, the word Mann is also used informally to address males.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Kumpel is an indeclinable noun in its plural form. The singular and plural are identical.
Did you know?
- The word Kumpel is derived from Kumpe, which referred to a drinking vessel, suggesting the term originally related to drinking buddies.
- The word Kumpel originally referred to a companion in the coal mines, which is why it carries a sense of rugged, working-class camaraderie.
- Because Freund can mean 'boyfriend', Germans often use the phrase ein Freund von mir to clarify they are talking about a platonic mate.
Examples in context
- Was geht ab, Kumpel?All right, mate?This sentence shows how to use Kumpel in a greeting.Tatoeba #1806306 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10778623 by sundown
- Du bist ein prima Kumpel!You're a great mate.This sentence uses Kumpel to compliment a friend.Tatoeba #12494749 by Waldelfe, translation #12502190 by sundown
- Was immer du sagst, Kumpel.Whatever you say, mate.This sentence shows how to use Kumpel when agreeing with someone.Tatoeba #2164873 by Esperantostern, translation #6310958 by sundown
- Hey Mann, lass uns am Wochenende zum Fußballspiel gehen!Hey mate, let's go to the soccer game this weekend!
- Servus, Bua! Geh ma a Bier trinken?Hi mate! Shall we go grab a beer?
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are meeting up for a drink.
- HannahHey Felix, schön dich zu sehen, Kumpel!Hey Felix, great to see you, mate!
- FelixHallo Hannah! Wie läuft es bei dir?Hello Hannah! How are things with you?
- HannahAlles bestens. Hast du heute Zeit?Everything's great. Do you have time today?
- FelixJa, klar! Das passt mir gut.Yes, sure! That works well for me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mate” translations and entries Kumpel, Freund, Kollege, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Freund, Kollege, Kumpel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
