Why do I need to know Arschloch?
Though these expressions may not be the type of German you learn in school, getting familiar with some German insults is a great way into the language and culture.
Of course, we don't recommend you go around insulting everyone (especially in a professional setting!) but silly colloquialisms like this can make your German friends laugh when used at the right time.
What does it mean?
Der Arschloch (pronounced like this) is a popular insult that literally translates to "arsehole" or "asshole" and can be used to describe anyone you're currently annoyed with.
The traits of an Arschloch can range from general nastiness to simpering flattery, stupidity and cowardice. As with most insults, though, you don't need to be too specific about your target.
READ ALSO: How (and when) to swear like a German
If a fellow motorist rudely cuts you off, that's usually enough evidence to brand them an Arschloch - and the same goes for that guy who bumped into you on the street.
Arschloch is just one of numerous insults in German that relate to the nether regions, though some of these have homophobic connotations.
One example is Arschgeige - or arse violin - which was recently classified as an offensive term by public broadcasters ZDF and ARD. Though the phrase is used nowadays as a light-hearted, silly insult - much like "arsewipe" or "douchebag" in English - linguists believe it could also contain a discriminatory reference to homosexual intercourse.
For that reason, it's best to be a little bit cautious when choosing your insults, as hilarious as they may sound.
Use it like this:
Irgendeine Arschloch hat am Freitagabend mein Handy geklaut.
Some absolute arsehole stole my phone on Friday night.
Mein Chef will, dass ich an meinem Geburtstag arbeite. Er kann so eine Arschloch sein!
My boss wants me to work on my birthday. He can be such an asshole!
Comments