11 Beautiful German Words You Need in Your Life
Every language (like every culture) can be stereotyped, and German is no exception. There are plenty of jokes about the language, many of which revolve around the same theme: German sounds aggressive, even when describing gentle concepts and using some of the most beautiful German words! This meme pretty much sums it up:
We can't help but laugh when we see this meme, of which there are plenty of variations. The German language is good fodder for descriptive comedians too - Irish stand up Dylan Moran once said that “the German language sounds like a typewriter eating tinfoil being kicked down the stairs” (ouch.)
But I have to ask - is this stereotype totally fair? OK. Even I, a native German speaker and lover of the German language, can admit that sometimes German words can sound a little angry. But what many people don't know is that there are far, far more beautiful words in German than harsh ones! Germany has a fantastic literary tradition which is best understood in the original language. Germany is a land of poets, philosophers and thinkers - think of Hannah Arendt, Friedrich Nietzsche and Theodor Adorno. To express great ideas, of course you need a wonderfully expressive language! Thus, there are several German words with deep meaning that sound like music to your ears.
It's time to give the beautiful German language the second chance it deserves. To start us off, here are 11 aesthetic German words that not only sound good but have a deep and philosophical meaning!
Improving your language skills doesn’t have to be boring… work on your fluency by engaging in meaningful conversation! Tandem is not just a language exchange app, but it’s also a community where our members feel empowered to speak any language, anywhere. It’s a great place to practice all of your German, beautiful words and the more difficult ones.
1. Zeitgeist
German is so great that English speakers needed to import this word into their own language! It describes the prevalent spirit of an era. This word is so beautiful because it explains something in one word when you normally have to use a whole sentence. It’s definitely one of our favorite cool German words!
2. Fernweh
This word is the opposite of homesickness - rather, it is the feeling of desiring a place you have never been to. It's perfect for when you want to get away and try something new!
3. Wanderlust
Wanderlust is often used in English too. It's similar to "Fernweh," but a little different - the desire to travel around, see new places and not stay in one place.
4. Zweisamkeit
Not only does this word sound really nice, but it expresses a feeling of closeness between two (zwei) people. The opposite is "Einsamkeit," or loneliness. It’s one of the best cute German words to use when talking about someone you love or care for deeply.
5. Luftkuss
"Ein Luftkuss" is the act of blowing someone a kiss through the air :)
6. Freudentränen
This is the noun we use when we have tears of joy!
7. Frühlingsgefühle
This is a great word used to describe a feeling of excitement for nice weather during the Spring, just as the sun is coming out, the trees are green and the flowers blossom.
8. Verzehren
This is a really versatile and funny German word. It can describe the process of eating, but it can also mean that you desire someone so much you almost want to eat them!
9. Filigran
When something is dainty and delicate, you can call it filigran. A ballerina dances "filigran" across the stage, a bird can fly filigran by moving its wings slowly and carefully.
10. Augenblick
A super short moment; a blink of an eye. Literally translated to English, it is 'eye-blink'.
11. Geborgenheit
Once this word was actually voted the second most beautiful in the German language, and it is considered impossible to translate! It is a feeling strongly associated with artists, often felt at intensely emotional moments, such as returning home at a long time, or holding someone you love close. It basically means to exist and feel intensely in the moment.
Are you convinced? Do you know any other beautiful German words? Or maybe you are more into funny German words?
Oh, One More Thing...
If you enjoyed learning some of these pretty German words and want to expand your communication to new languages, check out our article on beautiful Japanese words! On the other hand, if you’re interested in learning more German or taking it to the next level, download the Tandem!
Tandem is a unique language learning app that’s helped people around the world gain fluency in over 300 languages. With millions of members, Tandem is the largest global language learning community out there! Tandem lets you connect with native German speakers all over the world, and practice speaking German via text, voice notes, and video calling. Immerse yourself in the German language and culture, and speak your way to fluency, for free!
More of a traveler? Connect with native German speakers ahead of your trip by using the “search by city” Pro feature, or the “near me” Pro feature for when you are already there! Still getting your head around the German language? Use our in-app translation feature to help compose a message or translate an incoming one. Correct your Tandem partner's message or add a comment to help them learn and progress. Still not sure about German pronunciation? Simply tap on the message you want to hear and choose the “speak” option. Einfach!
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