WZT
The English phrase 'wtf' can be translated into German as WZT or was zum Teufel.
Meaning: What the fuck (phrase)
Ways to say it
| German |
|---|
| WZT |
| was zum Teufel |
The phrase is used to express intense surprise, disbelief or anger.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase was zum Teufel literally translates to 'what to the devil'.
Did you know?
- While was zum Teufel is a direct translation of 'what the fuck', German speakers often replace 'Teufel' with Himmel ('heaven') to create the slightly softer was zum Himmel when they want to express shock without being quite so vulgar.
- The word Teufel shares an ancient ancestor with the Greek word diábolos, which originally meant a 'slanderer' or 'false accuser'.
- In German, expressing surprise with 'devil' imagery is a common linguistic pattern, but using it too often in polite company can mark you as quite unrefined.
Examples in context
- Du hättest nie geglaubt, wen ich heute Morgen getroffen habe. Was zum Geier macht er hier?You would never believe who I ran into this morning. What the heck is he doing here?
Example conversation
Hannah sees a strange mess in the kitchen.
- HannahJulian, WZT ist das auf dem Tisch?Julian, WTF is this on the table?
- JulianIch habe versucht, einen Kuchen zu backen.I tried to bake a cake.
- HannahWarum sieht es so schrecklich aus?Why does it look so terrible?
- JulianIch weiß es leider nicht.I don't know, unfortunately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wtf” translations and entries was zum Teufel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Teufel, was, zum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
