Verpiss dich
The English phrase "screw off" can be translated into German as Verpiss dich.
The phrase is a highly vulgar and aggressive way to tell someone to leave.
Which one should you use?
While "screw off" in English can sometimes be used jokingly among friends, Verpiss dich is almost always perceived as a genuine insult or a hostile command in German.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Verpiss dich is an informal expression. If you want to say "screw off" or "get lost" in a colloquial way, you can use Hau ab. Other options include Verzieh dich to mean "bugger off" or "shove off", and Mach dich vom Acker to mean "get out of here" or "take a hike".
How does it change in a sentence?
Verpiss dich is the imperative singular form used when addressing one person. To tell a group of people to screw off, you must use the plural imperative form Verpisst euch.
Did you know?
- The verb in Verpiss dich comes from pissen, which is the German equivalent of 'to piss'.
- The more polite alternative Hau ab is derived from the verb hauen, which means 'to hit' or 'to strike'.
- The word Acker in the phrase Mach dich vom Acker is a cognate of the English word 'acre', though it refers to the field itself rather than the measurement.
Examples in context
- Verpiss dich einfach!Just screw off!
- Er hat gesagt: 'Verpiss dich!'He said, 'Screw off!'
Example conversation
Two people are having a heated argument on the street.
- JuliaHör auf, mich zu nerven!Stop annoying me!
- FelixVerpiss dich doch, Julia!Just screw off, Julia!
- JuliaDas war echt unhöflich, Felix.That was really rude, Felix.
- FelixEs ist mir egal.I don't care.
