My favorite German words

German is probably considered one of the harshest languages on earth. This language consists of many glottal sounds and double-consonance sounds such as st, sch and en, etc. Despite the harsh pronunciation, I somehow still find this language interesting. The logistics behind some German words just blow me away. In this article, I’d like to share my top 5 German words.

Fernweh

[far + sickness]

Wanderlust is a synonym. The meaning behind it is that traveling is the only cure of the sickness.

Schadenfreude

[friend that enjoys others’ misfortune]

The pleasure of watching others’ misery. We all have been that friend at some point in life. You got to admit, in some situations it is hard to not laugh at others.

Mutterseelenallein

[mother + soul + alone]

There is no English word can directly translate this term. It refers to a state of extreme loneliness. When your mother's soul is not even around you, the loneliness has already elevated to another level.

Backpfeifengesicht

[slap + face]

It means a face you do not like or simply just a face you want to slap.

Lebensgefährte

[life + dangerous driver. Aka ride or die partner/lover]

I save my favorite at last. The first time I heard this word I was so surprised because I don't think I can find another word in any language that expresses love better than Lebensgefährte. A lover is someone who you are willing to sacrifice yourself for.

#germanwords #deutsch