Noob
/nuːp/masculine
The English phrase noob can be translated into German as Noob. Wiktionary also lists Nub and Neuling.
Meaning: newbie (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Noob | /nuːp/ | masculine |
| Nub | masculine, nonstandard | |
| Neuling | /ˈnɔɪ̯lɪŋ/ | masculine |
| Gimp | masculine |
Noob is an anglicism used primarily in German internet and gaming culture.
Which one should you use?
While Noob is an insulting slang term used in gaming, Neuling is a neutral, standard German word for a newcomer or novice.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Noob is considered slang. For a polite way to describe someone who is new to a particular activity or field, use the formal term Neuling. In colloquial speech, you can also use Grünschnabel, which literally means greenhorn and describes someone inexperienced.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of the loanword Noob in German follows the English pattern of adding an -s: Noobs.
Did you know?
- In German-speaking internet forums, 'Noob' is often treated as a masculine noun, so you might hear people say 'der Noob' even when the person being discussed is female.
- In some traditional German guilds, a Neuling would historically have to perform a 'Walz', or a journeyman's trek, to prove their skills before being accepted.
- While Noob is the gaming term, the colloquial Grünschnabel literally means 'green beak'. It refers to a young bird that has not yet developed its adult plumage.
Examples in context
- Er ist ein totaler Noob in diesem Spiel.He is a total noob in this game.
- Ich war am Anfang auch ein Noob.I was a noob at the beginning too.
- Der neue Spieler ist noch ein Noob.The new player is still a noob.
Example conversation
Julia and Julian are playing a video game together.
- JuliaJulian, du spielst wie ein Noob.Julian, you play like a noob.
- JulianIch bin erst seit gestern dabei.I've only been playing since yesterday.
- JuliaDas erklärt deinen Stil.That explains your style.
- JulianIch werde bald kein Noob mehr sein.I won't be a noob much longer.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “noob” translations and entries Noob, Neuling, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
