Ratten
The German word for the English phrase 'rats' is Ratten.
Meaning: damn, darn (intj)
Did you know?
- While Ratten means 'rats', the exclamation 'rats' as a expression of frustration has no equivalent using that word in German. A German speaker would instead use Mist, which literally means 'manure'.
- If a German speaker says Rattenfänger, they are not just talking about a 'rat catcher', but are referencing the legendary figure of the 'Pied Piper of Hamelin'.
- The phrase Rattenloch describes a 'rat hole', but it is often used as a biting critique of a tiny, cramped, or filthy apartment regardless of whether actual animals live there.
Examples in context
- Hast du Angst vor Ratten?Are you afraid of rats?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is afraid of Ratten.Tatoeba #8768005 by Waldelfe, translation #5011425 by CK
- Du hast Ratten im Keller.There are rats in your basement.This sentence is useful for stating there are Ratten in a basement.Tatoeba #12574581 by Waldelfe, translation #11098928 by DJ_Saidez
- Die Katze fing die Ratten.The cat caught the rats.This sentence is useful for describing a cat catching Ratten.Tatoeba #683269 by Manfredo, translation #282041 by CK
- Die Stadtverwaltung hat ein Problem mit RattenbefallThe city administration has a problem with rat infestation
- 37 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are looking for a lost key.
- HannahHier ist der Schlüssel nicht.The key is not here.
- FelixRatten, ich habe ihn wohl verloren!Darn, I probably lost it!
- HannahSchau doch mal in deiner Tasche.Just look in your bag.
- FelixAch, hier ist er ja.Oh, here it is.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
