schmatzen
/ˈʃmat͡sn̩/
The English phrase 'smack' translates to the German verb schmatzen.
In German, schmatzen refers specifically to the sound made by the mouth, such as smacking one's lips while eating or making a smacking sound.
Meaning: to slap someone (verb)
Which one should you use?
While the English word 'smack' can mean to slap a person, the German schmatzen is reserved for smacking one's lips. If you want to express the action of slapping someone's face, you should use the phrase eine Ohrfeige geben.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃmatsn̩/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use schmatzen to mean slapping someone, but in German, schmatzen actually means to smack one's lips (eating noisily). Instead of using schmatzen for physical strikes, use eine Ohrfeige geben to describe a slap to the face or consider informal verbs like hauen to hit or strike.
Did you know?
- In some German dialects, schmatzen can be used to describe the sound of walking through wet mud or slush.
- The root of schmatzen is linked to Schmackes, a word that refers to 'force' or 'power'. In modern slang, having Schmackes means having a lot of energy or drive.
- The verb schmatzen is also used to describe the specific sound a baby makes when sucking its lips or rooting for food.
Examples in context
- Er klatschte ihr scherzhaft auf die Schulter.He jokingly slapped her on the shoulder.
- Sie knallte ihm die Tür vor der Nase zu.She slammed the door in his face.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are arguing playfully.
- MaximilianHör auf damit, Laura!Stop it, Laura!
- LauraNein, ich will dich schmatzen!No, I want to smack you!
- MaximilianDas ist nicht lustig, Maximilian!That's not funny, Maximilian!
- LauraDoch, es ist sehr lustig.Yes, it is very funny.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry schmatzen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries schmatzen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
