So you’re learning German—HUHH! You’ve nailed the Guten Tag and mastered the ich liebe dich. But then you hit the streets of Berlin or hop on a train in Hamburg and… suddenly it sounds like the locals are speaking in encrypted code.

Welcome to Slangland, where grammar books get ghosted and everyday German takes a walk on the wild side.

Forget the textbook phrases. This blog is your cheat sheet to sound echt (real) and understanding the stuff that doesn’t come with subtitles. Whether you’re traveling, studying, or just vibing with the language, these are the slang words you’ll hear on the streets, in cafés, or your favorite chaotic German YouTube vlogs.

1. Alter
Literal meaning: Old man
Street meaning: Dude / Bro / Whoa

Used when you're shocked, hyped, or slightly annoyed. Think of it as the German “bruh.”

"Alter! Hast du das gesehen?"
(Dude! Did you see that?)

2. Geil
Literal meaning: Horny (yes, really)
Street meaning: Cool / Awesome

Don’t panic—context is king here. Germans love using “geil” to describe anything from food to festivals to a football goal.

"Das Konzert war sooo geil!"
(That concert was so awesome)

3. Bock haben
Literal meaning: To have a male goat
Street meaning: To feel like doing something

When someone says they haben Bock, they’re down for it. No goat involved. Promise.

"Ich hab keinen Bock auf Mathe."
(I’m not in the mood for math)

4. Krass
Literal meaning: Severe / Intense
Street meaning: Crazy / OMG / Damn

Your all-in-one reaction word. Shock, admiration, disbelief—Krass covers it all.

"Du hast das alleine gemacht? Krass!"
(You did that alone? Damn)

5. Bescheuert
Literal meaning: No literal one
Street meaning: Ridiculous / Dumb / Crazy

Perfect for when something or someone makes zero sense.

"Die Idee ist doch total bescheuert."
(That idea is totally ridiculous)

6. Läuft bei dir
Literal meaning: It’s running for you
Street meaning: You’re killing it / Things are going great

Used sarcastically or seriously depending on how laufy life is.

"Schon wieder 5 im Test? Läuft bei dir."
(Another F in the test? Wow, you’re on a roll)

7. Verpeilt
Literal meaning: Foggy-headed
Street meaning: Out of it / Confused / Spaced out

Your brain after a long grammar lesson. You know the vibe.

"Sorry, ich bin voll verpeilt heute."
(Sorry, I’m totally spaced out today)

8. Zocken
Literal meaning: None
Street meaning: To game

If you’re into video games, this one is non-negotiable.

"Ich zock’ die ganze Nacht FIFA."
(I’m gaming all night with FIFA)

9. Kohle
Literal meaning: Coal
Street meaning: Money

Slang that takes you back to the industrial era but means cash today.

"Ich brauch’ Kohle für das Wochenende."
(I need money for the weekend)

10. Mach’s gut
Literal meaning: Make it good
Street meaning: Take care / See you

Classic way to sign off like a local. Way better than a robotic Auf Wiedersehen.

"Ich geh jetzt. Mach’s gut!"
(I’m off. Take care)

Final Word

Slang is where language gets real. It’s messy, chaotic, playful, and full of personality. The kind of German you hear on the street is what makes you feel like you’re in it—not just learning it from behind a textbook.

Learning slang is just the start—at The Language SKOOL, we help you speak German like it’s second nature. Our expert-led courses go beyond textbooks, teaching you how real people communicate, joke, and connect. Whether you're preparing for life in Germany or just want to sound less like a robot and more like a local, we've got the tools, trainers, and vibe to help you get there.