10 German phrases that feel almost illegal to know

There are certain German phrases and expressions that native speakers use which feel almost illegal to know when you’re still learning the language. They’re rarely taught in language schools, yet they’re the real secret sauce that makes your German sound natural and authentic. In this blog, we will explain some of those expressions locals use all the time but learners almost never hear about.

1. Tja

This one is very short, but it carries a surprising amount of nuance, and Germans absolutely love it. “Tja” is essentially the German equivalent of “oh well” or “too bad.”

If someone complains about forgetting their umbrella on a rainy day, you could simply respond with “Tja, passiert,” meaning “Oh well, it happens.”

What makes “Tja” so great is its flexibility. Depending on how you say it, it can sound empathetic, sarcastic, or completely apathetic. It is a perfect way to bow out of a conversation without offering solutions. Sometimes in life you just cannot be bothered, and that is exactly when “Tja” comes into play.

It can even carry a subtle hint of Schadenfreude, meaning taking pleasure in someone else’s misfortune, depending on the delivery.

For example, if someone spills coffee on their shirt right after bragging about how coordinated they are, a simple “Tja” says it all. It is not inherently malicious. Germans appreciate dry humor and understatement, and “Tja” fits perfectly into that cultural vibe.

2. Chill doch mal

This is the perfect way to tell someone to calm down when they are being a bit too dramatic. It is similar to saying “relax” or “take it easy,” but with a little extra flavor.

You would usually hear it when someone is stressing over something small, like missing a train or forgetting their keys. Imagine your friend freaking out about being a few minutes late for a meeting and you just do not want that panicky vibe. In that case, you can say “Chill doch mal. Du schaffst das,” which means “Relax, you will make it.” In Germany, people tend to be very pragmatic, so this phrase is a go to expression for cutting through unnecessary stress and getting back to normal.

It is something you would use with friends or people you are close to and it is definitely too casual for work settings. Please do not use it with your boss.

3. Naja

“Naja” is one of those all purpose phrases that works in many different situations. It can express hesitation, mild agreement, or simple acceptance, and it is similar to saying “well” or “I guess” in English.

For example, if you watched a very hyped movie and it turned out to be just okay, and someone asks whether you liked it, you might respond with “Naja, es war okay,” meaning “Well, it was okay.” The way you say it can completely change the vibe, conveying uncertainty, indifference, or a polite way of saying “not really.”

In Germany, it is often used to fill pauses in conversation or to soften disagreement.

4. Bescheuert

“Bescheuert” is a really fun word, but it is one you should not overuse. Depending on the situation, it means something like “stupid” or “crazy.”

For example, if a friend suggests going hiking in pouring rain, you might respond with

“Bist du bescheuert?” meaning “Are you crazy?”

It is also great for ranting about ridiculous situations, such as finding out that the only supermarket nearby is closed on a Sunday. In that case, you could say “Das ist doch bescheuert,” which means “That is just stupid.” The phrase is blunt but not overly mean, so it works well for both serious complaints and playful teasing.

In Germany, people tend to use a lot of expressive language, and this is one of the favorite ways to call out nonsense.

5. Hä?

Use it with caution. “Hä?” is the ultimate way to say “huh” or “what.” It is extremely casual and perfect for moments when you did not understand what someone said or when you are completely confused and lost.

Imagine someone explaining something complicated very quickly and you cannot follow at all. In that situation, a simple “Hä?” lets them know immediately. It is efficient, very German, and straight to the point. However, it should not be overused, because then it can come across as rude or uneducated.

6. Kohle

In English, there are many ways to talk about money, and in German we have the word “Kohle,” which literally means “coal” but is commonly used as slang for money. It is similar to saying “cash” in English.

If a friend wants to go to a fancy restaurant but you do not have the money, you can say “Ich habe keine Kohle,” meaning “I do not have any cash.”

It is a casual way to talk about money without sounding too formal. You can also use it jokingly, for example when complaining about how expensive something is, by saying “Das kostet echt viel Kohle,” which means “That costs a lot of money.”

7. Das ist am Arsch der Welt

This funny expression means “this is in the middle of nowhere” and is used to describe places that are extremely remote or hard to get to.

In German, the word “Arsch” means “ass,” so if a place is at the “ass of the world,” it is very far away from everything. For example, if someone invites you to a village that is hours from the nearest train station, you might say “Das ist ja am Arsch der Welt.” It is humorous but also surprisingly practical, because in Germany efficiency matters, and faraway places often feel like a logistical nightmare.

8. Ich glaub ich spinne

If you are surprised or frustrated in Germany, you might say “ich glaub ich spinne.” It means something like “I think I am losing it” or “I cannot believe this.” The literal translation is “I think I am spinning,” but it has nothing to do with actually spinning.

For example, if you come home and discover that your neighbor’s dog has pooped in your garden, you might exclaim “ich glaub ich spinne.” It sounds dramatic but is still fairly light hearted, which makes it perfect for ranting about annoying surprises or funny misunderstandings.

9. Das ist mir Wurst

You usually pronounce “Wurst” as “Wurscht.” The phrase “Das ist mir Wurscht” literally means “that’s sausage to me,” but it is a humorous way of saying “I don’t care” or “it’s all the same to me.”

For example, if someone asks what kind of pizza toppings you want and you truly do not care, you could say “Das ist mir Wurscht.” It is a lighthearted way to let someone else make the decision.

10. Läuft bei dir!

A very flexible phrase that you can use in many different situations is “Läuft bei dir!” Literally, it means “it’s running for you,” but the meaning really depends on the context.

It can be a genuine compliment, for example, to congratulate someone on their success: “Läuft bei dir!” meaning “things are going well for you.”

However, it is often used sarcastically, especially with friends. For instance, if your friend breaks a glass after bragging about being super coordinated, you might look at them and say “Läuft bei dir...” to humorously point out the irony.

Join the right institute to learn German: LearnningTree

✅ Online Live and Interactive classes +Recordings access.

✅ Learn with your favourite movies, songs and TV shows.

✅ Our certificates are recognized and valid, and we provide additional training for language proficiency exams

✅Our learners have consistently scored 80+ in GOETHE exam!

✅ C1/C2 Certified Trainers.

✅ 4.9/5 ratings on Google