Schimpfwörter
The English phrase "swear words" is translated into German as Schimpfwörter.
Schimpfwörter is a general term used for insults or mild profanity. For example, you might use the informal word Scheiße (shit) to express frustration or annoyance or Verdammt (damn) to express anger or surprise. Other common informal terms include Mist, which is a mild word for crap or damn used to express disappointment or frustration or Idiot, which can be used lightly between friends. However, some words are much stronger. For instance, Arschloch is a highly offensive insult that literally translates to asshole.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Schimpfwörter is a compound made of schimpfen (to scold or reproach) and Wörter (words).
Which one should you use?
While Schimpfwörter is a general term for insults, Fluchwörter is often used specifically for more intense or religious-based curses.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is Schimpfwort, while Schimpfwörter is the plural form.
Did you know?
- In Germany, using certain Schimpfwörter toward a police officer can lead to a legal charge of Beamtenbeleidigung (insulting an official) and a heavy fine.
- While English speakers often use 'f' words to express anger, Germans often use 'animal' words to insult others, such as calling someone a Schwein (pig) or Esel (donkey).
- German is famous for creating extremely long Schimpfwörter by chaining nouns together, allowing a speaker to describe a person's specific flaws in one single word.
Examples in context
- Soll ich dir ein paar Schimpfwörter beibringen?Do you want me to teach you some swear words?This sentence is useful for asking if someone wants to be taught some Schimpfwörter.Tatoeba #1640452 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1638581 by Spamster
- Kennst du irgendwelche französischen Schimpfwörter?Do you know any swear words in French?This sentence is useful for asking if someone knows any Schimpfwörter in French.Tatoeba #9941754 by GaryGaryGary, translation #11213762 by sundown
- Mein palästinensischer Freund hat mir einige arabische Schimpfwörter beigebracht.My Palestinian friend taught me several swear words in Arabic.This sentence is useful for mentioning that a friend taught you some Schimpfwörter in Arabic.Tatoeba #12317176 by brauchinet, translation #12319699 by michu3453
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are discussing their language learning progress.
- MaximilianLernst du nur höfliche Sätze oder auch Schimpfwörter?Are you only learning polite sentences or swear words too?
- LauraIch versuche, Schimpfwörter komplett zu vermeiden.I try to avoid swear words completely.
- MaximilianDas ist klug, sonst verstehst du die Leute nicht.That's wise, otherwise you won't understand people.
- LauraStimmt, aber ich möchte nicht so klingen.True, but I don't want to sound like that.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
