German texting slang is a mix of abbreviations, playful wordplay, and borrowed English terms. Whether you're chatting with friends or scrolling through German social media, knowing these shortcuts will make your messages sound more natural. Here’s a breakdown of the most common terms you’ll encounter.
Basic Texting Abbreviations
- HDL (Hab dich lieb) – A casual way to say 'love you,' less intense than 'Ich liebe dich.'
- LOL (Laughing Out Loud) – Same as in English, but Germans also use 'lol' sarcastically.
- gg (gut gemacht) – 'Well done,' often used in gaming.
- ka (keine Ahnung) – 'No idea.'
- kp (kein Plan) – 'No clue,' even more casual than 'ka.'
Emoji Codes & Reactions
Germans use emojis similarly to English speakers, but some have local twists:
- 😂 – Standard laughter, but Germans might pair it with 'tot' (dead) for 'I’m dead laughing.'
- 🍆 – Avoid this unless you’re flirting. It’s as suggestive as in English.
- 👍 – 'All good,' or a simple acknowledgment.
Casual Phrases & Wordplay
Babo
/ˈbaːbo/“Boss”
Slang for 'boss' or 'leader,' popularised by German rap. Used jokingly among friends.
Alter
/ˈaltər/“Dude”
Literally 'old one,' but used like 'dude' or 'mate.' 'Alter, was geht?' = 'Dude, what’s up?'
Geil
/ɡaɪ̯l/“Awesome”
Means 'cool' or 'awesome,' but can also have a sexual connotation depending on context.
Tip: Germans often shorten words by dropping endings. 'Komme gleich' becomes 'komm gleich,' and 'habe es' turns into 'hab’s.'
When in Doubt, Keep It Simple
If you’re unsure, stick to basic abbreviations like 'thx' (thanks) or 'ok.' Germans won’t mind if your texts aren’t packed with slang. For more on everyday German, check out our guide to essential phrases for public transport.
