wow
The English phrase "woah" can be translated into German as wow.
In German, you can express astonishment or admiration using several different terms. You might also use Hammer as an exclamation of amazement. For a more idiomatic or colorful way to say "holy smoke" or "good heavens," you can use the expression Holla die Waldfee.
Which one should you use?
The term Boah is a slang version similar to the English "whoa" or "wow." Hammer is used as an exclamation of astonishment or admiration.
Did you know?
- The expression Holla die Waldfee literally translates to 'Holla, the forest fairy', yet it is used as a standard way to express surprise at a sudden development.
- Using the word Krass as an exclamation of 'wow' is very common among younger speakers, but it can mean both 'amazing' and 'terrible' depending on the context.
- While an English speaker might say 'woah' to slow down a horse, the German equivalent Boah is almost exclusively used to express being overwhelmed by something, whether it is a huge burger or a difficult exam.
Examples in context
- Boah, wie wunderschön!Whoa, how beautiful!
- Wow, das ist ja riesig!Wow, that is huge!
- Wow, du hast es geschafft!Wow, you did it!
- Wow, die Aussicht ist toll.Wow, the view is great.
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are looking at a modern painting.
- JuliaWow, schau dir diese Farben an!Wow, look at these colors!
- MaximilianJa, das Bild ist wirklich beeindruckend.Yes, the painting is really impressive.
- JuliaGlaubst du, es ist teuer?Do you think it is expensive?
- MaximilianSicherlich sehr teuer, Julia.Certainly very expensive, Julia.
