10 Genius German Words with No English Equivalent

The German language has a knack for packing complex ideas into a single word or brief phrase. From time to time, those phrases work their way into the English language. For instance, you’ve probably used the word “zeitgeist” to convey the defining mood or spirit of an era or “schadenfreude” to express the joy you feel at seeing someone you despise suffer misfortunes.

Yet, we’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to exploring handy German words that help summarize complex concepts in our lives. So the next time you find yourself feeling a familiar sensation but can’t quite think of a way to express it, consider utilizing one of these genius German words.

Related: 10 Famous Writers Who Came Up with Everyday Words

10 Zivilisationskrankheit: The Illness of Modern Life

Though we all occasionally feel a sense of dread about our current, specific circumstances, that dread can sometimes be applied to the broader world around us. Yes, life has generally gotten easier in many ways over the decades and centuries. Still, in a time of processed foods, endless digital screens, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles, one can’t help but wonder if our modern world is the source of modern ills.

“Zivilisationskrankheit” gets to the heart of the idea. In its simplest form, it’s a way to express the unique illnesses and consequences that arise as a consequence of modern living. But it’s also a way to convey the idea of civilization being a root cause of the disease rather than simply focusing on the symptoms. That makes it a handy way to express frustrations with the general state of things while also acknowledging that progress comes with consequences.^[1]

9 Verschlimmbessern: Making Something Worse by Trying to Make it Better

Have you ever tried to fix a leaky sink only to cause water to come bursting out? Have you ever tried to undo the damage caused by a fight with a partner only to find yourself in a different kind of hot water? If so, you’ve likely experienced some form of “verschlimmbessern,” the feeling when you tried to make something better but ended up making it worse.

While this phrase has been helpful on a personal level since the beginning of time, it feels especially pressing in the modern era of constant technological updates. As the push for a seemingly endless supply of “new” dominates the world, we often find ourselves dealing with something seemingly designed to improve our lives that actually has the opposite effect.^[2]

8 Nesthocker: Someone Who Lives with Their Parents Beyond Usual Timeframes

More and more people are choosing to live with their parents for longer periods as they try to establish a foundation for themselves in tough economic times. While there is nothing inherently wrong with that, there are times when someone chooses to live with their parents (or in their family home) for a bit too long. That person may be referred to as a “nesthocker.”

Though nesthocker specifically relates to birds that stay in the nest for too long, it has since been applied to people you could accuse of doing something similar. It’s a handy expression that conveys a specific (but increasingly prevalent) lifestyle in ways that current English expressions along the same lines often fail to do. For instance, a nesthocker may not be a recluse or a shut-in, but… well, maybe it’s time they start looking for an apartment.^[3]

7 Stammtisch: A Sacred Gathering of Regulars

If you are lucky, you have a favorite restaurant, bar, or spot you like to visit. If you are really lucky, you have a group of friends you like to visit that spot with. While the concept of being a regular translates to many languages, “stammtisch” conveys the full scope of that concept quite nicely.

Stammtisch can refer to both the group of regulars who congregate at a particular spot and the exact area (typically a large table) where they gather. Its most literal translation in English is actually “regular’s table.” Yet, this word goes a step further by also conveying the significance, joy, and, often, the necessity of such meetings in terms of their importance to the individuals gathered, as well as the necessity of that communal concept. It’s even been extended to convey such gatherings in online spaces.^[4]

6 Fachidiot: The Overly Specialized Expert

Have you ever met someone who is brilliant in a specific area but seems oblivious to nearly every other aspect of the world? To think of it another way, do you know someone who is generally kind of oblivious yet strangely successful in a certain field? You may describe that person as a “fachidiot.”

Yes, as that word suggests, you can certainly insult someone by calling them a fachidiot and pointing out their general shortcomings in all but a specific area. However, it’s not inherently meant to be an overall insult to one’s character. This word also neatly touches upon a phenomenon in which we sometimes extrapolate someone’s skills in an area and kind of assume that they will be qualified in other ways that they often are not.^[5]

5 Lebensabschnittsgefährte: A Partner for a Chapter of Life

When it comes to relationships and partnerships, we tend to focus on the romanticism of “forever” (or at least the long term). However, that fascination sometimes discounts the significance of relationships that may not last as long but often feel as (or more) impactful.

“Lebensabschnittsgefährte” is used to describe such relationships. It best translates into “life-phase companion” and describes the kind of relationship that one has and needs during a specific point of one’s life that typically doesn’t last for longer than that. Unlike the negative connotations that sometimes come with phrases like “ex,” this word honors the significance of that relationship, recognizing that it played an important role in one’s life, even if it no longer exists in the same form.^[6]

4 Kummerspeck: The Weight Gained From Eating Your Feelings

It’s hard to imagine someone who has not turned to food during a particularly stressful point in their lives. While the idea of emotional eating is a fairly common concept in the English language, “Kummerspeck” expands upon that concept by focusing on the weight gained from such emotional endeavors.

Literally translated to “grief bacon,” Kummerspeck can certainly be used to point out that someone has gotten fat after overeating during an emotional period. In a way, though, it also touches upon the slightly more spiritual baggage one may acquire during that time. That makes it a wonderful way to point out both the futility and humanity of eating through your emotions.^[7]

3 Kopfkino: The Visuals That Play in Your Mind

While some are blessed with more vibrant imaginations than others, most of us have probably experienced the sensation of having images and thoughts run through our heads like a movie. Whether you’re dreaming of finally landing a promotion or dreading what the doctor will say, it’s easy to find yourself envisioning scenarios that haven’t occurred and may never occur.

“Kopfkino” (which wonderfully translates to “head cinema”) expresses the powerful nature of that mental imagery. Like some of the other words on this list, it’s also a relatively neutral way to express that complicated concept. Kopfkino can be either positive or negative, but it’s almost always vivid and persistent.^[8]

2 Sitzfleisch: The Art of Sticking It Out

Experts say that certain “soft skills” will become increasingly important in many workplaces. Things like effective communication and true problem-solving abilities may become more valuable than specific technical skills have historically been. Well, in a perfect world, you’d also be able to add the word “sitzfleisch” to the skills section of your resume.

Sitzfleisch refers to the ability to endure long periods of sitting and concentrating on a task in academic, political, or professional settings. It touches upon the focus often needed to see a project through to completion, but it’s more about a certain kind of mental stamina needed to not get bogged down by the monotony that often accompanies certain projects. Interestingly, it can also be used to negatively describe one who has stayed in a position for too long.^[9]

1 Zweisamkeit: The Beauty of Being a Pair

It can be difficult to convey the powerful intimacy between you and your partner. Anyone who has ever struggled with the text of a birthday card or their wedding vows can tell you how difficult it can be to express that incredible feeling one gets when they are with the one they care about. Impressively, “Zweisamkeit” succinctly explores that exact feeling.

Zweisamkeit is more specific than the broad ideas of intimacy and love. Instead, it refers to the feeling of harmony and belonging that comes from two people simply being together. It’s a concept that often transcends circumstances and the presence of anything or anyone else. While it is often the idea at the core of great relationships between two people, it must be refreshed and worked on to keep that relationship vibrant.^[10]