The German language is famous for stringing short words together to make long words, sometimes really long words. Even Germans find it occasionally ridiculous. But it does make it a bit easier for someone just learning the language to puzzle out the meanings of unknown words. Unfortunately, as in English, sometimes it’s not so obvious. Here is a list of my favorite compound German words, along with a literal translation of each part. See if you can guess what they mean.
German Word……………..Literal Translation
Meerschweinchen …………..ocean + pig + diminutive ending
Schnurrbart…………………..purr or line/cord + beard
Schneebesen…………………..snow + broom
Wackelpudding……………….. bounce/jiggle + pudding
Hörnchen……………………….horn + diminutive ending
Eichhörnchen…………………red + horn + diminutive ending
Wasserstoff …………………….water + material/matter/stuff
Trinkgeld……………………….drink + money
Glühbirne………………………glow + pear
Have you made your best guesses? Click hereto see the answers.
