Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Slang | /slɛŋ/ | masculine |
| Umgangssprache | /ˈʊmɡaŋsˌʃpʁaːxə/ | feminine |
Both terms refer to unconventional or non-standard language. Slang is used to describe highly informal or subcultural vocabulary, often specific to certain groups. Examples of German slang include Geil (cool), Was geht ab? (what's up?) and Chill mal (chill out). You might also hear Es ist der Hammer! to say something is amazing or Ich bin voll im Stress to say you are super stressed.
Which one should you use?
Slang refers to highly informal, often subcultural language, whereas Umgangssprache refers to the standard colloquial language used in everyday conversation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Slang is an informal term used for very informal, often group-specific vocabulary.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Berlin, the word Bulette is used in slang to mean a hamburger. In Bavarian slang, the phrase Oans, zwoa, g'suffa! is used as a beer-drinking cheer meaning 'One, two, drink up!'
How does it change in a sentence?
Slang is a masculine noun, appearing as der Slang. Umgangssprache is a feminine noun, appearing as die Umgangssprache.
How do you pronounce it?
/slɛŋ/
When do people say it?
Slang is used to express intense emotions or situations, such as Es läuft wie geschmiert! (it's running smoothly), Das geht überhaupt nicht klar (that's totally not okay) or Bist du gerade auf dem Holzweg? (are you off track?). You might also use Der absolute Knaller to mean an 'epic win' or Voll Spaß haben to mean 'to have a blast'.
Did you know?
- In Germany, Kiezdeutsch is a specific type of urban slang developed in multi-ethnic neighborhoods, which incorporates elements from Arabic and Turkish.
- While Umgangssprache is generally accepted in daily life, using too much Slang in a professional setting can be seen as a lack of 'Bildung', which refers to one's level of education and culture.
- While Umgangssprache is used generally, Germany has an official register called Hochdeutsch (High German) that serves as the standard for writing and formal speech across all regions.
Examples in context
- Maria stellte eine provokante These vor: "Der Slang wird zum neuen Englisch."Mary presented a provocative thesis: "Slang is becoming the new English."This sentence uses Slang to discuss its role in the evolution of the English language.Tatoeba #2656682 by al_ex_an_der, translation #2656680 by al_ex_an_der
- Ich lerne lieber die Literatursprache als Umgangssprache oder Slang. Ich habe andere Sprachbegeisterte getroffen, die genau das Gegenteil sind.I prefer learning literary language, instead of colloquial language or slang. I have met other language enthusiasts who are just the opposite.This sentence uses Slang to contrast it with literary language and colloquial language.Tatoeba #10560387 by carlosalberto, translation #10559281 by nonong
- Das Konzert war der absolute Knaller!The concert was epic!
- Das neue Auto ist echt geil!The new car is really cool!
- Hey, was geht ab?Hey, what's up?
- Reg dich nicht auf, chill mal!Don't get worked up, chill out!
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are discussing a new song at a cafe.
- SarahVerstehst du den Text? Er benutzt viel Slang.Do you understand the lyrics? He uses a lot of slang.
- MaximilianNein, der Slang ist für mich sehr schwer.No, the slang is very difficult for me.
- SarahVielleicht solltest du mehr moderne Musik hören.Maybe you should listen to more modern music.
- MaximilianDas ist eine gute Idee, danke.That is a good idea, thanks.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slang” translations and entries Slang, Umgangssprache, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
