Interjections are quick, expressive words that capture an immediate reaction, feeling, or attitude in speech and writing. This guide goes through common German interjections with examples to show how they’re used in context.
Common Interjections
Common interjections signal basic reactions like surprise, pain, pleasure, or hesitation. They’re often short sounds or single words that crop up in everyday speech.
Überraschung
Interjections for Überraschung (surprise) grab attention and signal that something unexpected has happened. They can be used aloud or in writing to highlight a sudden twist.
| German Interjection | English Meaning | |
|---|---|---|
| Ach! | Oh! / Ah! | |
| Wow! | Wow! | |
| Na! | Well! / So! | |
| Mein Gott! | My God! | |
| Oha! | Whoa! / Oh! |
Schmerz
Interjections for Schmerz (pain) are quick cries or sounds that signal sudden hurt. They’re instinctive and often very short.
| German Interjection | English Meaning | |
|---|---|---|
| Aua! | Ouch! | |
| Au! | Ouch! | |
| Iih! | Eek! / Yuck! | |
| Ah! | Ah! (pain or surprise) |
Ouch! I pricked my finger.
Freude
Interjections for Freude (joy) express pleasure, delight, or approval. They’re used when something nice happens or when praising.
| German Interjection | English Meaning | |
|---|---|---|
| Hurra! | Hooray! | |
| Juhu! | Yay! | |
| Yeah! | Yeah! / Yay! | |
| Hach! | Ah! (contentment) |
Zweifel
Interjections for Zweifel (doubt) or hesitation signal uncertainty, reluctance, or thinking time. They often stretch sounds or use fillers.
| German Interjection | English Meaning | |
|---|---|---|
| Hmm... | Hmm... / Well... | |
| Naja... | Well... / So... | |
| Ähm... | Um... / Er... | |
| Tja... | Well... / I guess... |
Überraschung
Interjections for Überraschung (surprise) grab attention and signal that something unexpected has happened. They can be used aloud or in writing to highlight a sudden twist.
| German Interjection | English Meaning | |
|---|---|---|
| Ach! | Oh! / Ah! | |
| Wow! | Wow! | |
| Na! | Well! / So! | |
| Mein Gott! | My God! | |
| Oha! | Whoa! / Oh! |
Emphatic Interjections
Emphatic Interjections
Emphatic interjections add strong feeling and sometimes color to speech. They’re used to intensify reactions and can reflect personality or regional flavor.
| German Interjection | English Meaning | |
|---|---|---|
| Mist! | Darn! / Damn! | |
| Verdammt! | Dammit! / Damn! | |
| Sau! | Really! / Very! (colloquial intensifier) | |
| Quatsch! | Nonsense! / Rubbish! | |
| Krass! | Awesome! / Crazy! |
Summary
Interjections are handy for quick, natural reactions in German speech. Learn a few common ones for surprise, pain, joy, and hesitation so you can sound more fluent and expressive.
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025