German Words in English: 10 Words You Already Know | Amir in Berlin
Updated: 2 hours ago
How German Influenced the English Language
You might be surprised to discover how many German words you already know, even if you've never studied German.
From everyday expressions to words describing emotions, culture and food, German has contributed quite a few words to the English language. Some are so familiar that we rarely stop to think about where they come from.
And if you're visiting Berlin, you'll probably come across many more.
1. Kindergarten – A garden for children
One of the best-known German words in English is Kindergarten.
It literally combines two German words: Kinder (children) and Garten (garden). The concept was introduced by German educator Friedrich Fröbel in the 19th century, who believed that young children should learn and develop through play, creativity and interaction with nature.
The word travelled far beyond Germany and became part of everyday English.
2. Zeitgeist – The spirit of the times
Zeitgeist is made up of Zeit (time) and Geist (spirit).
It describes the general mood, ideas and cultural atmosphere of a particular period.
For example, you might say that Berlin's alternative culture, street art and creative energy are part of the city's contemporary Zeitgeist.
It's a wonderfully German word for a concept that is difficult to express in just one English word.
3. Schadenfreude – Finding pleasure in someone else's misfortune
This is one of my favourite German words.
Schaden means harm or damage, while Freude means joy.
Together, they describe the rather uncomfortable feeling of being amused by someone else's bad luck.
English speakers have adopted the word because, apparently, sometimes one word from another language says it better than a whole sentence.
4. Doppelgänger – Someone who looks just like you
A Doppelgänger is a person who looks remarkably similar to someone else.
The word comes from doppel (double) and Gänger (walker or goer).
It's now widely used in English, especially when talking about celebrity lookalikes or those strange moments when you see someone who could almost be your twin.
5. Angst – More than just fear
The German word Angst describes anxiety, fear or a deep sense of unease.
It became part of English, particularly in psychology and literature, where it often describes a more existential kind of anxiety.
You might hear expressions such as "teenage angst" or "existential angst".
6. Wanderlust – The desire to travel
If you love travelling, there's a good chance you know this word.
Wanderlust combines wandern (to hike or wander) and Lust (desire or pleasure).
It describes a strong desire to explore the world and discover new places.
And if you're reading this while planning a trip to Berlin, perhaps you already know exactly what Wanderlust feels like.
7. Gesundheit – Bless you!
When someone sneezes in Germany, you'll often hear the word Gesundheit.
It literally means "health" and is used in much the same way as "Bless you" in English.
It's a small but useful word to recognise when you're travelling around Germany.
8. Pretzel – A German bakery classic
The English word pretzel comes from the German Brezel, referring to the familiar twisted baked pastry.
Pretzels have a long history in German-speaking Europe and are particularly associated with southern Germany and Bavaria.
In Berlin, you'll find them in bakeries, cafés and beer gardens. They're especially good when freshly baked.
9. Blitz – Lightning and speed
The German word Blitz means lightning.
It entered English in several contexts, including the expression "blitzkrieg", meaning lightning war, and later expressions such as "media blitz" or "blitz attack".
Today, the word is often used to describe something happening quickly and with great intensity.
10. Kindergarten, but what about other German words?
German has contributed many other words and expressions to English, including Lager, Rucksack, Poltergeist, Leitmotiv and Wunderkind.
Some are associated with food, others with music, literature, psychology or everyday life.
The interesting thing is that languages are never completely separate. They borrow, adapt and influence one another, often reflecting centuries of cultural exchange, migration, trade and intellectual history.
A little German goes a long way in Berlin
Of course, knowing a few German words won't make you fluent, but it can make your visit more enjoyable.
Try saying Guten Morgen when entering a café, Danke when someone helps you, or Entschuldigung when you need to get someone's attention.
Berlin is an international city, and you'll find plenty of people who speak English. Still, making a small effort to use the local language is often appreciated.
And who knows? You might discover that German is not quite as unfamiliar as you thought.
Viel Spaß in Berlin! (Have a great time in Berlin!)
See you in Berlin!
This article was written by Amir, a Berlin-based tour guide who has been living in the city since 2006 and guiding visitors since 2013. Amir specializes in Berlin's history and offers private and group tours, culinary tours, Holocaust history tours, and family-friendly experiences.
For tours and travel itineraries in Berlin, visit our website: Private Tours in Berlin
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