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.