Ungeziefer
/ˈʊnɡəˌt͡siːfɐ/
The German word for varmint is Ungeziefer.
Ungeziefer is used to describe pests such as insects, rodents or other small animals that are viewed as nuisances or infestations.
Meaning: pestering animal (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
Ungeziefer is a singular noun used as a collective noun, which means it does not have a plural form in standard usage.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʊnɡəˌtsiːfɐ/
Did you know?
- The word Ungeziefer has a surprisingly religious origin, stemming from a term meaning an animal that was 'unfit for sacrifice'.
- Beyond describing insects or rodents, Ungeziefer can be used as a harsh, dehumanizing insult toward people seen as parasitic.
- German distinguishes between Ungeziefer and Schädling. The latter is reserved specifically for animals that cause economic or agricultural damage.
Examples in context
- Ich habe einen Schädling in meinem Garten gefunden.I have discovered a varmint in my garden.
- Wir haben viel Ungeziefer im Keller.We have a lot of pests in the basement.
- Das Ungeziefer hat die Vorräte beschädigt.The pests damaged the supplies.
- Ich hasse dieses Ungeziefer im Garten.I hate this vermin in the garden.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are discussing a problem in their kitchen.
- MaximilianJulia, ich glaube, wir haben Ungeziefer in der Küche.Julia, I think we have pests in the kitchen.
- JuliaWir müssen es sofort bekämpfen.We must fight it immediately.
- MaximilianHast du schon den Kammerjäger angerufen?Have you called the exterminator yet?
- JuliaNein, das mache ich gleich.No, I will do that right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Ungeziefer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ungeziefer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
