Nerd
/nɜːd/masculine
The German word for nerd is Nerd. If unsure, use Nerd. Wiktionary also lists Sonderling and Computerfreak.
Meaning: intellectual, skillful person, generally introverted (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Nerd | /nɜːd/ | masculine |
| Sonderling | /ˈzɔndɐlɪŋ/ | masculine |
| Computerfreak | masculine |
In German, terms for a nerd describe an intellectual or skillful person who is generally introverted. You can use these words to describe someone with great enthusiasm and knowledge in niche subjects.
Which one should you use?
While Nerd implies a technical or intellectual obsession, Sonderling refers more generally to someone who is an eccentric person or an oddball. Computerfreak is a more specific term used for someone obsessed with computers.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Nerd is an informal term borrowed from English. Computerfreak is a colloquial term.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Nerd is Nerds. All listed forms are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/nɜːd/
Did you know?
- The term Sonderling originates from the verb sondern, which means 'to separate' or 'to set apart'. It literally describes someone who has 'separated' themselves from the norm.
- While Nerd is borrowed from English, it is often used in German with a more positive, respectful connotation regarding expertise than the original English term had in the 20th century.
- While 'nerd' is a common loanword in German, calling someone a Computerfreak in a professional setting might sound more judgmental than the English 'computer geek'.
Examples in context
- Ich bin kein Nerd!I'm not a nerd!This sentence is useful for expressing that you are not a Nerd.Tatoeba #13953778 by Vortarulo, translation #1950145 by Spamster
- Tom ist ein echter Nerd.Tom is a real nerd.This sentence is useful for describing someone as a real Nerd.Tatoeba #5094172 by Manfredo, translation #3633847 by Hybrid
- Er ist ein Computerfreak.He's a computer nerd.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as a Computerfreak.Tatoeba #12427702 by Waldelfe, translation #2213094 by Hybrid
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a classmate in the university cafeteria.
- MaximilianIst er ein Nerd?Is he a nerd?
- LauraJa, er ist ein totaler Nerd.Yes, he is a total nerd.
- MaximilianAber er ist sehr klug.But he is very smart.
- LauraDas stimmt, er ist brillant.That's true, he is brilliant.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nerd” translations and entries Nerd, Sonderling, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Nerd, Sonderling, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
