Schwein
What does Schwein mean? Schwein is a German strong that translates to “pig / bastard / son of a bitch” in English.
Literal Translation
pig / swine
Meaning & Usage
"pig / bastard / son of a bitch"
Calling someone a pig — implying they are dirty, disgusting, or morally reprehensible. One of the strongest German animal insults.
Examples in the Wild
Du Schwein! Was hast du getan? (You pig! What have you done?)
When to Use It
Context
- Informal settings where profanity is accepted
- Expressing strong frustration or emphasis
- Direct confrontation (use with caution)
Avoid
- Professional or formal settings
- Around elders or authority figures
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
Pigs carry very negative connotations in German culture. 'Schweinerei' (piggishness) is used for any outrageous or disgusting behavior. Ironically, 'Schwein haben' (to have pig) means to be lucky.
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.