Buzz
Perhaps it's time to abandon traditional measurement systems and start using wheels of cheese as a unit of height. Who's on board with this idea?
Germany, renowned for its Oktoberfest and magical Christmas markets, also boasts a collection of incredibly literal compound words. While the first two are well-known, it's the latter that we're exploring today. These 20 German compound words are so straightforward they almost appear fictional. (Then again, isn't all language essentially a human construct?)
1. Glühbirne
Lightbulbs do bear a resemblance to glowing pears ... | Justin Sullivan/GettyImagesLiterally: “glowing pear”English translation: “lightbulb”
This term merges glüh, which means “glow,” with Birne, or “pear”—and indeed, lightbulbs resemble upside-down electric pears. While modern lightbulbs come in various forms, the classic cartoon depiction or the iconic shape that symbolizes a bright idea clearly influenced the German naming convention.
2. Antibabypille
Literally: “anti-baby pill”
English translation: “contraceptive pill”
We appreciate things that live up to their name, and the German contraceptive pill does exactly that. While the English term contraception also implies preventing conception, it conveys the idea in a more subtle manner.
3. Nacktschnecke
A slug—or, as the Germans refer to it, a “naked snail.” | Simon Posnjak/500px/Getty ImagesLiterally: “naked snail”
English translation: “slug”
Who would have thought slugs were such fans of nudity? This term might seem more logical if slugs were the standard mollusk and snails were referred to as “clothed slugs.” It’s almost a “chicken or the egg” situation. Bonus fact: In German, sticky buns are called Schnecken because they resemble snails.
4. Dreikäsehoch
Literally: “three-cheeses-high”
English translation: "tiny tot"
This term became common parlance in the 18th century, when cheese wheels were standardized in size and widely recognized. Being three-cheeses-high is quite short, so the word is often used to tease a small child who behaves older than their years or is being mischievous, similar to how “squirt” is used in English. Like many old-fashioned terms, Dreikäsehoch is fading from use, so it’s our responsibility to revive it.
5. Abendbrot
Literally: “evening bread”
English translation: “dinner”
While this term can be used synonymously with Abendessen (“dinner”), traditionally, Abendbrot refers to the age-old custom of enjoying a spread of bread accompanied by cheeses, cold meats, pickles, and salad for the evening meal. Unlike many Western cultures where sandwiches or salads are typical for lunch and a hot meal is reserved for dinner, Germans historically prefer the opposite approach.
6. Baumwolle
Cotton—or, as the Germans refer to it, “tree wool.” | Scott Olson/GettyImagesLiterally: “tree wool”
English translation: “cotton”
The creator of this term likely overlooked the fact that cotton typically grows on shrubs rather than trees. Nevertheless, it’s an endearing description—evoking images of cotton plants as tiny sheep gathered around your feet.
7. Handschuhe
Literally: “hand shoes”
English translation: “gloves”
This term—a popular example of literal German translations online—raises an intriguing question: Why are gloves called “hand shoes” instead of shoes being referred to as “feet gloves”? To specify the type of glove, simply add the material or purpose at the beginning, creating a longer compound noun. For instance, Gummihandschuhe (“rubber gloves”) or Gartenhandschuhe (“gardening gloves”).
8. Fingerhut
You could refer to it as a “thimble,” or opt for ‘fingerhut,’ which literally means “finger hat.” | A. Martin UW Photography/Moment/Getty ImagesLiterally: “finger hat”
English translation: “thimble”
Staying with hand-related terms, Fingerhut, the German word for “thimble” (and also “foxgloves”), literally means “finger hat.” It’s easy to see how this name came about. (Though Helm, the German word for “helmet,” might have been a more fitting choice than Hut.) Nowadays, thimbles are often worn on the middle finger, but the English term originates from thumb plus -le, rooted in the Old Norse word þumall, meaning “the thumb of a glove.” The Oxford English Dictionary suggests that “perhaps a leather thumbstall was the earliest form of thimble,” adding that “metal thimbles were apparently introduced in the 17th century.”
9. Bandsalat
Literally: “tape salad”
English translation: “tape spaghetti”
This one’s for those who recall the era of cassettes and videotapes. If your player never jammed and ruined your favorite tape, consider yourself fortunate. If it did, you were left with a delightful serving of Bandsalat. According to Collins Dictionary, this term refers to something like “tangled tape,” but a quick search reveals a food-inspired English translation that’s just as charming as the original: “tape spaghetti.”
10. Trinkgeld
Literally: “drink money”
English translation: “tip”
A translation like “drink money” conjures images of a medieval tavern filled with patrons sipping beer from leather tankards and paying with small gold coins (perhaps while a princess sings about her yearning for freedom). Today, tipping in Germany is voluntary and directly tied to the quality of service received. It’s common to simply round up to the nearest Euro or add a modest amount.
11. Backpfeifengesicht
Literally: “cheek whistle face”
English translation: “a face begging for a slap”
This German insult has layers. Backpfeife itself is a compound noun meaning “a slap to the face”—one so forceful it produces a whistling sound. When paired with Gesicht (“face”), it becomes “a face that’s begging to be slapped.” While it’s not a term you’d use often, it might be the perfect descriptor for a certain nemesis—no judgment here.
12. Nashorn
The German term for “rhinoceros” literally means “nose horn.” | Scott Olson/GettyImagesLiterally: “nose horn”
English translation: “rhinoceros”
Here’s another charming German animal term, though this one refers to a creature you’re unlikely to spot in your backyard. While it might seem overly literal (pun intended), the English word rhinoceros also stems from the Greek words for “nose” (rhī́s) and “horn” (kéras). A fun fact to tuck away.
13. Wunderkerze
Literally: “wonder candle”
English translation: “sparkler”
Waving sparklers as a child undoubtedly sparked a sense of wonder—and the term Wunderkerze captures that childhood enchantment far better than the plain word sparkler ever could.
14. Kopfkino
Literally: “head cinema”
English translation: roughly “imagination”
Do you possess a highly vivid imagination? Perhaps you enjoy running through fantasy scenarios before bed, or maybe you’re a dedicated daydreamer at your desk. Well, the Germans have a term for this—it’s your personal “head cinema.” This can also apply to things you’d rather not visualize: for instance, someone shares an overly detailed story, and despite your efforts, you can’t stop picturing it. That’s your Kopfkino in action.
15. Treppenwitz
Literally: “staircase wit”
English translation: untranslatable/the same
If you’ve ever come up with the perfect retort long after a conversation has ended, that’s your Treppenwitz. It’s unclear why stairs are involved—perhaps “doorway wit” would be more relatable—but it perfectly captures your brain’s delayed brilliance. Fun fact: the French have a similar phrase: l’esprit d’escalier.
16. Extrawurst
In German, ‘extrawurst’ literally means “extra sausage.” | Sean Gallup/GettyImagesLiterally: “extra sausage”
English translation: “special treatment”
Germans adore sausages—both in their food and their language. The idea of the Extrawurst originates from the Baroque era, when sausages were a luxury for the poor. Getting an extra sausage was akin to receiving special treatment. The phrase eine Extrawurst verlangen (“to demand an extra sausage”) is often used in a critical tone.
17. Drachenfutter
Literally: “dragon fodder”
English translation: “apology gift”
While calling your upset partner a “dragon” might not be wise, if they’re fuming and you want to soothe them with a gift, that gesture is known in German as Drachenfutter.
18. Drahtesel
Literally: “wire donkey”
English translation: “bicycle”
While Fahrrad is the more common term for a bicycle, Drahtesel is often used humorously to describe those rickety, secondhand bikes that are reliable but seem on the verge of falling apart at any moment. (This might explain why Fahrrad is sometimes called a “boneshaker.”) It also creates a funny contrast to Stahlross, another German term for bicycle, which means “steel horse.” Big Kenergy indeed.
19. Schnapsidee
Literally: “booze idea”
English translation: “foolish idea”
At its heart, the term Schnapsidee refers to those wild ideas that pop into your head after one too many drinks. You know, like suddenly believing you can fly or deciding it’s a brilliant idea to call an ex. What could possibly go wrong? (Spoiler: a lot.) Schnapsidee can also apply to ridiculous sober ideas. Picture little kids concocting hilariously absurd plans or that impulsive friend who quits their job to become a basket weaver, despite zero prior experience.
20. Schildkröte
Turtles are called “shield toads” in German. | Justin Sullivan/GettyImagesLiterally: “shield toad”
English translation: “turtle”
Let’s conclude with another animal. Whether turtles truly resemble toads is up for debate, but there’s something endearing about imagining them as tiny armored amphibians. In classic German fashion, a tortoise is called a Landschildkröte. Fun fact: An archaic English term for a tortoise is shellpad, originating in the 16th century and rooted in Low German and Middle Dutch words meaning “shield” and “toad.”
