huch
/huːx/
The English phrase 'yikes' can be translated into German as huch. If unsure, use huch. Wiktionary also lists o Schreck.
Meaning: expression of shock and alarm (intj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| huch | /huːx/ /hʊx/ |
| o Schreck |
The German expressions are used to express shock and alarm. You may also encounter other informal exclamations such as Krass!, which is a versatile expression used to express surprise, shock or awe, commonly used among young people. Boah!, which is an exclamation used to convey surprise or shock in a more informal manner. Or the playful expression Holla die Waldfee! that conveys astonishment or shock in an informal context.
Which one should you use?
While huch can express shock, it is often used for a sudden, minor realization or a small mistake, similar to 'oops' or 'oh!' in English. In contrast, o Schreck expresses a higher degree of alarm or genuine fright than huch.
How do you pronounce it?
/huːx/
Did you know?
- If you use huch to react to a major disaster, you might sound strangely calm or even adorable, as it is much softer than the English 'yikes'.
- The word Schreck shares a common ancestor with the English word 'shriek', both relating to a sudden, jarring movement or sound.
- The phrase Holla die Waldfee! is quite whimsical, translating literally to 'Holla, the forest fairy!', yet it is a perfectly common way to react to something shocking.
Examples in context
- Huch!Yikes!This example is useful for seeing how to use huch as an exclamation.Tatoeba #1334484 by Vortarulo, translation #564690 by kebukebu
- Boah! Das ist ja krass! Ist jemand verletzt?Wow! That's intense! Is anyone hurt?
- Huch, das habe ich nicht kommen sehen.Yikes, I didn't see that coming.
- Huch, wie groß ist die Spinne denn!Yikes, how big this spider is!
Example conversation
Hannah accidentally drops a glass of water on the table.
- HannahHuch, jetzt ist es passiert!Yikes, now it happened!
- MaximilianKein Problem, ich helfe dir.No problem, I'll help you.
- HannahDanke, Maximilian, das ist lieb.Thanks, Maximilian, that's sweet.
- MaximilianPass einfach nächstes Mal auf.Just be careful next time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yikes” translations and entries huch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schreck, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
