14 German Words And Their Unexpected Literal Translations | The Odyssey Online
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14 German Words And Their Unexpected Literal Translations

I really wish we called gloves hand-shoes.

Chenay Gladstone
Aug 14, 2017
Arizona State University
2293
14 German Words And Their Unexpected Literal Translations

When learning a language, you’ll always find unique words. While building vocabulary is important, it can be dangerous to take words for their literal meaning. Sometimes the literal meanings can be trusted, and other times they can’t. Here are 14 Germans words with memorable meanings:

1. Übermorgen

Noun. Literal meaning: “over morning.” Meaning: the day after tomorrow.


2. Vorgestern

Noun. Literal translation: “before yesterday.” Meaning: the day before yesterday.


3. Ohrwurm

Noun. Literal translation: “ear worm.” Meaning: Like, a song you can’t get out of your head.


4. Fernweh

Noun. Literal translation: “far pain.” Meaning: the desire to be somewhere other than home. The opposite of homesickness.


5. Kopfkino

Noun. Literal translation: “head theater.” Meaning: When you visualize how something plays out.


6. Handschuhe

Noun. Literal translation: “hand shoes.” Meaning: gloves.


7. Schneckenhaus

Noun. Literal translation: “snail house.” Meaning: snail shell.


8. Muskelkater

Noun. Literal translation: “muscle hangover.” Meaning: soreness.


9. Löwenzahn

Noun. Literal translation: “lion tooth.” Meaning: dandelion.


10. Krankenhaus

Noun. Literal translation: “sick house.” Meaning: hospital.


11. Hörbuch

Noun. Literal translation: “hear book.” Meaning: audiobook.


12. Weißrussland

Noun. Literal translation: “white Russia.” Meaning: Belarus.


13. Sparschwein

Noun. Literal translation: “save pig.” Meaning: piggy bank.


14. Zuckerwatte

Noun. Literal translation: “sugar cotton.” Meaning: cotton candy.


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