igitt
/iˈɡɪt/
The German word for yuck is igitt. If unsure, use igitt. Wiktionary also lists pfui.
Meaning: uttered to indicate disgust (intj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| igitt | /iˈɡɪt/ |
| pfui | /pfʊɪ̯/ /fʊɪ̯/ |
German speakers use these exclamations to express disgust. Igitt! is an informal exclamation similar to the English Ew! Or Yuck!, typically used to express physical disgust or a reaction to something gross or unpleasant. For unpleasant tastes or odors, you might also use Bäh! In contrast, Pfui! is an expression used to reproach someone's behavior or express disgust towards something repugnant.
Which one should you use?
While igitt is used for physical grossness like a bad taste or an unpleasant sight, pfui is often used to express moral disgust or to condemn someone's behavior. To intensify an expression of disgust or annoyance, you can use the colloquial idiom Pfui Teufel!
How do you pronounce it?
/iˈɡɪt/
Did you know?
- The exclamation igitt may actually be a disguised way of saying 'oh God!', known as a minced oath, to avoid using the name of God in vain.
- The expression Pfui Teufel! literally translates to 'Fie, Devil!', using a demonic figure to amplify a feeling of disgust.
Examples in context
- Igitt! In der Suppe schwimmt ein Haar!Yuck, there's a hair floating in the soup.This sentence shows how to use igitt when reacting to something in food.Tatoeba #8879325 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8878752 by AlanF_US
- Igitt! Das sieht ja scheußlich aus!Yuck! That looks awful!This sentence demonstrates igitt being used to react to an unpleasant sight.Tatoeba #7108832 by felix63, translation #12144650 by calypsow
- Pfui Teufel!Yuck!This sentence illustrates the use of pfui in the idiomatic phrase Pfui Teufel!Tatoeba #12891048 by Adelpa, translation #8672229 by ajje
- Ich habe diesen Film gesehen, und er war so abstoßend.I watched this movie, and it was so disgusting.
- Hast du gerade gesehen, was das Kind gegessen hat? Igitt!Did you see what the child just ate? Yuck!
- Du musst das probieren! Bäh, das schmeckt schrecklich!You have to try this! Yuck, it tastes awful!
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are looking at a piece of moldy cheese in the fridge.
- LukasIgitt, der Käse ist schon grün!Yuck, the cheese is already green!
- LauraOh ja, das ist wirklich eklig.Oh yes, that is really disgusting.
- LukasWollen wir ihn wegwerfen?Do we want to throw it away?
- LauraJa, schnell weg damit!Yes, get rid of it quickly!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yuck” translations and entries igitt, pfui, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries igitt, pfui, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
