r/German • u/CallMeRamona • Apr 08 '25

Request Funny translated German words

Hi guys,

I am looking for German words with funny literal English translations, like Glühbirne glow pear for example.

Give me your favorite ones!

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u/Speedwell32 Proficient (C2) - <NRW/English> Apr 09 '25

I usually use the word muzzle for Maul, especially when thinking of Maultiere (mules).

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u/Moquai82 Native <Niedersachsen> Apr 09 '25

Yeah, but i think the Maul in this case is not the Futterluke but the very big claws (to maul) of that animal.

"Throws (earth) with Claws" could be the correct meaning. Eventually. I am just guessing and interpreting my own language, so do not judge me to hardly.

Clawdigger could be in this sense the best translation in meaning?

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u/Speedwell32 Proficient (C2) - <NRW/English> Apr 09 '25

I cheated and looked it up on Wikipedia: Die Bezeichnung „Maulwurf“ hat ihren Ursprung im mittelhochdeutschen Wort moltwërf. Dieses leitet sich vermutlich vom althochdeutschen mū-wërf ab, wobei mū so viel wie „Haufen“ und wërf so viel wie „werfen“ bedeuten.

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u/Moquai82 Native <Niedersachsen> Apr 10 '25

Oookay... Did not think Maul- is Pile-....