Laugh And Learn: 25 German Words With Funny Literal Translations

Boy do we have a treat for you language lovers today!

Everyone knows that, when translating, the last thing you should do is give literal, word-for-word translations. Well, sometimes doing that is a whole lot of fun, especially when it comes to the German language.

German has a reputation for its lengthy compound words. It’s this penchant for making new words by sticking other words together that gives birth to some truly extraordinary, yet perfectly sensible, words that describe exactly what they mean.

However, to English speakers, these literal translations might sound absurd!

But don’t just take our word for it! Read on, see for yourself. Discover a new side of German you’ve never seen before. Trust us, you’ll never look at a raccoon the same way again!

1. “Stinktier”

This word translates to “stink animal,” but it actually refers to a skunk.

---

2. “Schildkröte”

It means “shield toad” in English, but in German, it’s the word for turtle.

---

3. “Flugzeug”

This word directly translates to “fly thing,” but it’s the German word for airplane.

---

4. “Waschbär”

Literally “wash bear,” it’s the term Germans use for raccoon.

---

5. “Handschuhe”

It means “hand shoes” in English, which is a funny way to refer to gloves.

---

6. “Staubsauger”

This word means “dust sucker” and is used for vacuum cleaner.

---

7. “Kühlschrank”

It translates to “cool cupboard,” but it’s the word for refrigerator.

---

8. “Faultier”

Literally “lazy animal,” this term is used to refer to a sloth or a lazy person.

---

9. “Nacktschnecke”

This word directly translates to “naked snail,” but it refers to a slug.

---

10. “Zahnfleisch”

Translating to “tooth meat,” it’s the word for gums.

---

11. “Glühbirne”

Literally “glow pear”, this is the German word for light bulb.

---

12. “Schneebesen”

Translates to “snow broom”, it refers to a whisk.

---

13. “Büstenhalter”

It means “bust holder”, a very direct way to refer to a bra.

---

14. “Zahnstocher”

This word means “tooth poker” and is used for toothpick.

---

15. “Schlafanzug”

It translates to “sleep suit,” but it’s the word for pajamas.

---

16. “Wasserkocher”

It means “water cooker”, referring to an electric kettle.

---

17. “Blumenkohl”

Literally “flower cabbage,” this is the German word for cauliflower.

---

18. “Durchfall”

Literally “through fall,” it’s the German word for diarrhea.

---

19. “Fledermaus”

This translates to “flutter mouse,” but is actually the German word for a bat.

---

20. “Unterseeboot”

It translates to “undersea boat,” but it’s the German word for a submarine.

---

21. “Krankenwagen”

It translates directly to “sick car,” but it’s actually the German word for an ambulance.

---

22. “Flaschengeist”

Translates to “bottle ghost”, it is the term Germans use for a genie (as in, genie in a bottle).

---

23. “Seehund”

This translates to “sea dog,” it’s the German term for a seal.

---

24. “Ohrenschmalz”

Literally “ear fat/grease,” this is the term for earwax.

---

25. “Schwarzarbeit”

Literally “black work,” this is the term for illegal work or work under the table. Moonlighting.

---

---

From “dust suckers” (Staubsauger) to “washing bears” (Waschbär), we’ve explored the humorous side of the German language through its literal translations.

Each of these words adds a unique charm to the language, making it not just a medium of communication but a window into the cultural mindset that values practicality, precision, and a bit of humor. German, like any language, is full of delightful surprises and wonderful expressions that can bring a smile to our faces when we take a moment to look at them literally.

We hope you enjoyed this list as much as we did. Tschüss!