hoppla
/ˈhɔpla/
The English phrase 'oops' can be translated into German using ups, huch or hoppla.
Meaning: acknowledging a minor mistake (intj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| hoppla | /ˈhɔpla/ |
| ups | /ʊps/ /uːps/ |
| huch | /huːx/ /hʊx/ |
These terms are used as interjections to acknowledge minor mistakes or mishaps. For example, ups is frequently used at the beginning of a sentence to acknowledge a mistake before explaining it.
Which one should you use?
The three forms carry different nuances. ups is the most common, modern and informal way to say 'oops'. huch is used specifically to express sudden surprise or a momentary lapse in attention, often when one realizes something unexpected has happened. hoppla often implies a slightly more clumsy or physical mistake, such as dropping something and can sound slightly more playful or childish than ups.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈhɔpla/
Did you know?
- The German hoppla is actually a linguistic cousin to the English word 'hoopla', sharing the same onomatopoeic roots of jumping or quick movement.
- German speakers may use hoppla sarcastically to tease someone who has made a very large or clumsy mistake, making it sound intentionally childish.
- If you use huch in a professional setting, it might make you sound more genuinely surprised by a fact, whereas ups makes you sound like you are apologizing for a lapse.
Examples in context
- Ups, ich habe den Eintrag in der falschen Newsgroup gepostet.Oops, I posted the message to the wrong newsgroup.This sentence is useful for seeing how ups is used to acknowledge a mistake at the start of a sentence.Tatoeba #3968955 by pne, translation #2093417 by gleki
- Hoppla, ich habe den Schlüssel vergessen.Oops, I forgot the key.
- Hoppla, das ist mir jetzt durchgerutscht.Oops, I just slipped up.
Example conversation
Maximilian accidentally spills a little water on the table.
- SarahHoppla, das Wasser ist über den Rand gelaufen.Oops, the water spilled over the edge.
- MaximilianKein Problem, Sarah, ich wische es kurz auf.No problem, Sarah, I'll wipe it up quickly.
- SarahDanke, Maximilian, das ist sehr nett von dir.Thanks, Maximilian, that is very kind of you.
- MaximilianGerne, das kann ja mal passieren.You're welcome, it happens sometimes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “oops” translations and entries hoppla, ups, huch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hoppla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
