18 Unique German Words Used in English

If you’ve ever caught yourself saying “kindergarten” or “wanderlust,” you might be surprised to learn these are originally German words. English is a language that thrives on borrowing—absorbing words from French, Latin, Greek, and, of course, German. These “loanwords” enrich English, offering precision, color, or simply a memorable flair that native words can’t quite match.

Here, we’ll explore 18 popular German words used in English. Each term carries its own backstory and cultural significance, highlighting just how interconnected our linguistic heritage can be.

What Are German Loanwords and Why Does English Use Them?

Loanwords are words or phrases that a language adopts directly from another. Often, these terms fill a linguistic or cultural gap that the borrowing language can’t quite capture. In the case of German-to-English borrowing, many words have stuck around because they evoke a particular feeling, image, or concept that resonates deeply. German, in particular, is celebrated for its ability to form compound words that describe even the most specific or nuanced situations, giving it a reputation for having “a word for everything.” These borrowed terms, from philosophy and science to everyday life, make our speech more vibrant and expressive.

18 German Words in English You Already Use

If you enjoy learning about these German words that have made their way into English, you might also like our article on funny German words and phrases, which explores some of the quirkiest and most entertaining German terms.

German loanwords don’t just add variety to our everyday speech; they also offer a fascinating glimpse into German culture and history. Sometimes, they fill a gap where English lacks a precise equivalent and other times, they simply bring a bit of extra charm. Whether you’re talking about a craving for new adventures or describing a one-of-a-kind cozy vibe, these words stand out for a reason.

Below, you’ll find 18 of the most popular (and beloved) German words used in English. Each term reflects a distinct slice of German culture, history, or mindset—plus, they might inspire you to dig deeper into the language itself.

1. Wanderlust

Meaning: A strong desire to travel or roam.

Why It Stuck: “Wander” means “to hike” or “roam,” and Lust is “desire.” Combine them, and you get a perfectly packaged term for that restless travel bug we all get now and then. Social media has turned wanderlust into a wanderer’s badge of honor, frequently seen in hashtags and travel blogs.

2. Kindergarten

Meaning: A preschool or early educational environment for young children.

Why It Stuck: Literally “children’s garden,” kindergarten was conceived by educator Friedrich Froebel to emphasize learning through play. It was such a revolutionary concept that the name—and practice—went global.

3. Schadenfreude

Meaning: Pleasure derived from another’s misfortune.

Why It Stuck: While it may not be the nicest trait, schadenfreude nails a very specific emotion. English didn’t have a single word for that little twinge of satisfaction when your rival stumbles—making schadenfreude too catchy to ignore.

4. Doppelgänger

Meaning: A person’s look-alike or double.

Why It Stuck: Originally a spooky concept in German folklore, doppelgänger can now refer to anyone who bears a striking resemblance to someone else—whether you’re talking celebrities, random strangers, or social media “twin” filters.

5. Angst

Meaning: A profound feeling of anxiety or existential dread.

Why It Stuck: Philosophers exploring the human condition popularized angst, which captured the teenage feeling of “nobody understands me.” The word has since gone mainstream to describe everything from personal worry to global uncertainty.

6. Blitz

Meaning: A swift, intensive attack or effort.

Why It Stuck: Short for Blitzkrieg (“lightning war”), this term gained notoriety in WWII. In everyday English, we use blitz for anything fast and focused—from “media blitz” to a strategic move in American football.

7. Rucksack

Meaning: A backpack, often for hiking or traveling.

Why It Stuck: Composed of Rücken (“back”) and Sack (“bag”), rucksack conjures images of outdoor adventures. While “backpack” is more common, rucksack carries that cool, rugged vibe many travelers love.

8. Bratwurst

Meaning: A spiced German sausage, typically grilled.

Why It Stuck: Popular in German markets and beer gardens, Bratwurst is a staple at summer cookouts around the globe. When you smell that savory sizzle, you’ll know why this word has become an international favorite.

9. Gemütlichkeit

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Meaning: A warm, cozy atmosphere of friendly social acceptance.

Why It Stuck: There’s no direct English equivalent for Gemütlichkeit, making it irresistible. Picture a candlelit room, good friends, and relaxed vibes—that’s Gemütlichkeit in action.

10. Poltergeist

Meaning: A noisy, mischievous spirit.

Why It Stuck: Derived from poltern (“to rumble” or “make noise”) and Geist (“ghost”), poltergeist has haunted English pop culture through countless horror films and ghost stories.

11. Fest

Meaning: A festival, celebration, or party.

Why It Stuck: Germans love their Volksfeste (people’s festivals) like Oktoberfest. Now, you’ll see -fest used in English to describe everything from music festivals to craft beer events.

12. Leitmotif

Meaning: A recurring theme or melody in music, literature, or art.

Why It Stuck: Popularized by composer Richard Wagner, leitmotif can apply to any central idea weaving through a narrative. It’s a favorite term for film enthusiasts and literary buffs.

13. Über

Meaning: Over, above, or super.

Why It Stuck: Whether you call someone über-talented or über-cool, the German preposition implies a next-level intensity in English. It’s punchy, succinct, and instantly amplifies whatever it describes.

14. Wanderjahr

Meaning: A “wandering year” taken to travel or learn abroad.

Why It Stuck: In traditional German guild culture, apprentices went on a Wanderjahr to broaden their skills. Modern youth have embraced the concept, calling it a “gap year” or “backpacking trip.”

15. Kaffeeklatsch

Meaning: A relaxed gathering for coffee and conversation.

Why It Stuck: Merging Kaffee (“coffee”) with Klatsch (“gossip”), this word captures the cozy ritual of chatting over a warm drink. It’s hard to resist the warmth and sociability kaffeeklatsch evokes.

16. Zeitgeist

Meaning: The spirit or mood of a particular period in history, shaped by ideas, beliefs, and events.

Why It Stuck: Often used in sociology and pop culture, zeitgeist perfectly encapsulates the “spirit of the times” more concisely than any single English word.

17. Weltschmerz

Meaning: A deep, lingering sadness or melancholy about the state of the world.

Why It Stuck: Literally meaning “world-pain,” weltschmerz captures a universal sense of disappointment or pessimism—ideal for describing those moments when reality doesn’t meet our ideals.

18. Kitsch

Meaning: Art or design considered tasteless or overly sentimental, yet sometimes appreciated in an ironic or nostalgic way.

Why It Stuck: Whether it’s a tacky souvenir or a gaudy holiday decoration, kitsch nails that mix of cheap, overdone, and strangely endearing. Its usage has expanded to describe all sorts of “so-bad-it’s-good” cultural elements.

English Words You Didn’t Know Had German Origins

While many of the terms above still look, sound, and feel distinctly German, some English words have subtler German origins. They might have evolved over time or simply blended into English usage so seamlessly that few people realize they were once German. Here are five such examples:

1. Pretzel

Origins: Derived from the German term ‘Brezel.’ Over time, the spelling changed, but the tasty, twisted bread snack remains a universal favorite.

2. Hamburger

Origins: Named after Hamburg, a major port city in northern Germany. Early iterations of the dish likely featured a Hamburg-style chopped steak.

3. Delicatessen

Origins: From the German ‘Delikatessen,’ referring to fine or specialty foods. In English, ‘deli’ shops are now everywhere, serving sandwiches, meats, and cheeses.

4. Diesel

Origins: Named after Rudolf Diesel, the German engineer who invented the Diesel engine. The word now applies to both the engine type and the fuel that powers it.

5. Noodle

Origins: Thought to come from the German ‘Nudel,’ these doughy strands are at the heart of comfort food across various cuisines, from Italian pasta to Asian ramen.

Want to Learn More About the German Language?

These 18 “stolen” German words are just a sample of the many loanwords that have found a home in English. Understanding their origins and cultural context can add more nuance—and international flair—to your everyday conversations.

The best way to fully grasp the meaning and usage of these words is to hear them in authentic settings. Whether sipping coffee in a real-life kaffeeklatsch or planning a wanderlust-inspired adventure, immersing yourself in genuine cultural experiences will help these words stick.

Check out our guide on 50 German words and phrases for even more useful German vocabulary. It’s a great way to expand your knowledge and add some essential German expressions to your repertoire.

If you want to refine your language skills in German or any other language, download Tandem and start practicing today. Connect with native speakers, get inspired by real-life stories, and discover how to make every conversation—whether in English or German—more meaningful.

Embrace these German gems, and who knows? You might just find your next leitmotif for self-improvement and cultural exploration!