Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Rotz | /ʁɔt͡s/ | masculine |
| Rotze | feminine | |
| Schnodder | [ˈʃnɔdɐ] (narrow) | masculine |
| Nasenschleim | masculine |
While Nasenschleim refers to the substance itself, terms like Rotz or Schnodder are used in everyday, informal speech.
Which one should you use?
Nasenschleim is the formal or medical term for nasal mucus. In contrast, Rotz and Rotze are colloquial and blunt. Schnodder is also an informal term, but it often carries a connotation of being particularly slimy or gross.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a formal or medical context, use Nasenschleim or Nasensekret. For common, informal speech, Rotz is the most frequent term. The form Rotze is a common, colloquial and somewhat vulgar way to refer to snot. Schnodder is also a colloquial option.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form Rotz is used in many common idiomatic expressions, such as when referring to something of poor quality or nonsense.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁɔts/
Did you know?
- A common German idiom describes a spoiled or arrogant child as a Rotzlöffel, which literally translates to a 'snot-spoon'.
- The word Rotz is used in the phrase Rotzfrech, which describes someone who is incredibly impudent or brazenly rude.
- The word Rotz is a distant relative of the English word 'snore'. They both likely stem from ancient sounds meant to imitate the noisy, congested sounds of a nose.
Examples in context
- Die Rotze läuft mir aus der Nase.Snot is pouring out of my nose.This sentence shows how to use Rotz to describe snot running from the nose.Tatoeba #6466835 by wolfgangth, translation #6457728 by Eccles17
- Hast du Taschentücher? Mein Rotz läuft wie ein Wasserfall.Do you have any tissues? My snot is running like a waterfall.
- Der gelbe Rotz klebt an seinem Finger.The yellow snot is sticking to his finger.
- Wisch dir den Rotz aus dem Gesicht!Wipe the snot off your face!
Example conversation
Two siblings are arguing in the living room.
- JulianHast du gerade diesen Rotz im Gesicht?Do you have snot on your face right now?
- SarahNein, das ist nur Schokolade.No, that is just chocolate.
- JulianDas sieht aber aus wie Rotz.But it looks like snot.
- SarahDu bist echt eklig, Julian.You are really gross, Julian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “snot” translations and entries Rotz, Rotze, Schnodder, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Rotz, Rotze, Schnodder, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
