sus
sus is the German slang term for the English phrase 'sus'.
In German, sus is a slang term used to describe someone or something that appears suspicious or dishonest.
Which one should you use?
While sus is used in slang, you may encounter other words depending on the level of formality. Verdächtig is the closest formal translation for being suspicious, whereas komisch is an informal way to say something is strange, weird or funny.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria and Austria, you might hear the phrase a weng komisch to mean 'a little strange'. In Berlin and Northern Germany, the phrase Ick find dit nich janz koscha can be used to express that you find something suspicious.
Did you know?
- In Germany, using sus is almost exclusively linked to gaming culture and the influence of the game 'Among Us', rather than a general linguistic evolution.
- If you use sus in Germany, you are participating in a 'loanword' culture where English internet slang is often adopted directly without any German grammatical changes.
- German speakers often use the word komisch to mean 'suspicious' even when they do not mean 'funny' or 'strange'.
Examples in context
- Das ist echt sus.That is really sus.
- Sein Verhalten war total sus.His behavior was totally sus.
- Warum bist du so sus?Why are you being so sus?
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are talking about a strange message they received.
- HannahHast du diese E-Mail bekommen?Did you get this email?
- JulianJa, aber der Link ist echt sus.Yes, but the link is really sus.
- HannahIch glaube, das ist ein Betrug.I think it is a scam.
- JulianLösche sie lieber sofort, Julian.You better delete it immediately, Julian.
