10 Untranslatable German Words
1) Bausparer: If you are a “Bausparer”, you are a very careful soul. Being a “building society saver” involves having a regular job in order to be able to save each month, and taking a certain pride in it.
2) Die Kehrwoche: A symbol of the muck-in-or-else philosophy of German communal living, Kehrwoche (sweeping-week) refers to a rota for cleaning an apartment block's common areas – including hallways and even pavements and driveways in front of the building. Some might find the scheme excessive, but tenants who don't get sweeping when their Kehrwoche comes around could earn a reputation for being lazy or selfish.
3) Geborgenheit: This was once voted the nicest German word. And for good reason, as it means being the perfect mixture of cosy, safe, warm and comfortable. Like being wrapped in a furry blanket and sat in front of an open fire.
4) Die Schnapsidee: We've all had them, and often regretted them afterwards, but only in German do they have their very own word. A Schnapsidee (Liquor-idea) is a handy term for those ingenious plans one hatches when drunk – or a plan so stupid you think it must have come from a drunken mind. "Why on earth did he invade Crimea? There's a Schnapsidee if ever I saw one."
5) Das Fingerspitzengefühl: This subtle quality, literally "fingertip-feeling" has different meanings. Duden German dictionary calls it "Sensitivity; a talent for empathy in interaction with things and people." If you have fingerspitzengefühl, you are acutely and intuitively aware of changing situations and opportunities, and always know your next move. This quality of an instinctive, sensitive touch is often applied to military and political leaders, who either have it – or don't.
6) Dornröschenschlaf: If something is in a state of Dornröschenschlaf – or sleeping beauty sleep – it means it's showing little sign of action. For instance, you place a visa application but the authorities show no sign of responding. You could say they are in a state of Dornröschenschlaf.
7) Die Waldeinsamkeit: Back when German Romantics were churning out literature, nature emerged as a key theme. Waldeinsamkeit – literally meaning forest loneliness – is a hangover from the movement still referenced today. It's used to describe the feeling you get when you're alone in the wild, of experiencing nothing but the world around you.
8) Geschmacksverirrung: The closest translation of this linguistic gem is "aberration of taste," which does no justice to the smug superiority associated with its use. The term allows German speakers to deign someone else's taste as - quite simply- "wrong." Even better, it's most commonly used with the verb "leiden," meaning "to suffer," adding yet more condescension to an already patronizing remark. See someone in an unfortunate outfit? Classic case of "Geschmacksverirrung."
9) Scheinheilig: Searching for an adjective to fit someone who seems lovely but is in fact coy and sneaky? Look no further. Often used to describe someone who's not quite an innocent as they look.
10) Torschlusspanik: Picture the scene. All your friends are coupling up, settling down and maybe even having babies. You, however, are alone and time is passing at an ever-quickening pace. The urge to get off the shelf overrides any rational judgement and you grasp for a partner, any partner. That feeling of “quick, anyone will do” is Torschlusspanik.
10 Untranslatable German Words
Reviewed by chaterabderahim
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Reviewed by chaterabderahim
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