Mist
What does Mist mean? Mist is a German mild that translates to “crap / darn” in English.
Literal Translation
manure / dung
Meaning & Usage
"crap / darn"
Mild exclamation of frustration used for minor mishaps. Literally means manure but functions like 'crap' or 'darn' in English.
Examples in the Wild
So ein Mist! Ich habe den Bus verpasst! (What crap! I missed the bus!)
When to Use It
Context
- Casual conversations with friends
- Informal settings where profanity is accepted
- As a spontaneous exclamation
Avoid
- Professional or formal settings
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
Very common and socially acceptable even in semi-formal settings. A go-to mild expletive for all ages. Also used as a prefix in compound insults like 'Mistkerl' (bastard).
More in German 🇩🇪
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“shit / crap / damn”
The most common German swear word. Extremely versatile — used as an exclamation, adjective (scheiß-), or noun. Functions as general-purpose profanity for frustration, anger, or disgust.
Schlampe
“slut / bitch”
Vulgar and degrading term for a woman perceived as sexually promiscuous or slovenly.
Fick dich
“fuck you / go fuck yourself”
Direct equivalent of 'fuck you'. One of the strongest possible verbal aggressions in German.
Hurensohn
“son of a bitch / motherfucker”
One of the most offensive German insults. Attacks the target by calling their mother a prostitute. Extremely aggressive and confrontational.
Verdammt
“damn / damnit”
General-purpose exclamation of frustration or anger. Can be used as a standalone expletive or as an intensifier before nouns.
Wixer
“wanker”
Alternative spelling of 'Wichser', same meaning and usage. Common in informal written German.
Dreck
“dirt / crap / trash”
Mild expletive meaning dirt or filth. Used as an exclamation or to describe something worthless.
Hure
“whore”
Vulgar term for a prostitute, used as a severe insult questioning sexual morality.