Schlamm
/ʃlam/masculine
The English word mud is translated into German as Schlamm. Wiktionary also lists Kot.
Meaning: mixture of soil and water (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Schlamm | /ʃlam/ | masculine |
| Kot | /koːt/ | masculine |
Schlamm refers to a mixture of soil and water. If you are referring to wet and sticky mud in a slang context, you might use Pampe. If you want to describe general dirt or filth that may be either wet or dry, the informal word Dreck is used.
Which one should you use?
While Schlamm refers to geological mud, the word Kot refers to animal or human excrement (dung).
How does it change in a sentence?
Schlamm is a masculine noun, which means it takes the article der in the nominative case.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃlam/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use Kot to describe wet soil or geological mud, as it specifically refers to excrement. Use Schlamm instead.
Did you know?
- While Schlamm describes mud, the related word Schlampe evolved from a term for something messy or slovenly to a strong insult for a woman.
- In German, Dreck is often used to describe things that are not literally mud, such as using it to call a piece of technology 'trash' or 'junk'.
- The word Pampe is used to describe not just mud, but any thick, unappetizing mixture, such as poorly cooked porridge or mushy food.
Examples in context
- Tom nahm ein Schlammbad.Tom took a mud bath.This sentence shows the use of Schlamm in the context of a mud bath.Tatoeba #11830888 by Naina, translation #8850373 by Hybrid
- Ich stecke im Schlamm fest.I'm stuck in the mud.This sentence illustrates being stuck in the Schlamm.Tatoeba #8456916 by Luiaard, translation #5395269 by CK
- Er versank tief im Schlamm.He sank deep into the mud.This sentence describes sinking deep into the Schlamm.Tatoeba #13657826 by Naina, translation #12158002 by sundown
- Bevor du ins Haus gehst, bitte wisch dir den Dreck von den Schuhen.Before you enter the house, please wipe the mud off your shoes.
- 37 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are walking in the rain.
- LauraPass auf, da ist viel Schlamm!Watch out, there is a lot of mud there!
- LukasOh nein, meine Schuhe sind jetzt dreckig.Oh no, my shoes are dirty now.
- LauraDer Schlamm klebt überall an deinen Sohlen.The mud is sticking to your soles everywhere.
- LukasIch muss sie zu Hause putzen.I have to clean them at home.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mud” translations and entries Schlamm, Kot, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kot, Schlamm, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
