alter Knacker
masculine
The English phrase "old fart" can be translated into German using alter Knacker. Wiktionary also lists alter Sack and alter Scheißer.
Meaning: pejorative: elderly person (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| alter Knacker | masculine | |
| alter Sack | /ˈaltər zak/ (word by word) | masculine |
| alter Scheißer | masculine |
These terms are pejorative ways to refer to an elderly person.
What does it mean word for word?
The term alter Sack literally translates to "old sack". The term alter Knacker literally translates to "old cracker" or "old snap", referring to something brittle or old.
Which one should you use?
alter Sack is often used colloquially among friends in a teasing way, whereas alter Scheißer is more likely to be an actual insult.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a direct object in a sentence, the adjective 'alt' must take the masculine accusative ending '-en' (e.g., einen alten Sack).
Did you know?
- The term alter Sack likely evolved its meaning as a person through a slang reference to the scrotum.
Examples in context
- Ein alter Knacker hat mir den Platz weggenommen.An old fart took my seat.
Example conversation
Hannah and Maximilian are talking about a grumpy relative.
- HannahWarum ist dein Onkel immer so schlecht gelaunt?Why is your uncle always in such a bad mood?
- MaximilianEr ist einfach ein sturer alter Knacker.He is just a stubborn old fart.
- HannahDas ist nicht nett, Maximilian.That is not nice, Maximilian.
- MaximilianAber es stimmt leider.But unfortunately, it is true.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “old fart” translations and entries alter Sack, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (Alter, Sack) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Knacker, Sack, Scheißer, alter Sack, CC BY-SA 4.0.
