If you are stuck in the streets of Berlin and can’t figure out what people are saying, you’d probably find some slang expressions pretty helpful. Here are some to learn:
Auf dicke Hose machen
This is used when somebody acts like they are stronger or wealthier than others. Literally translates “act like you have huge pants”.
Gebongt sein
It means that a deal is settled. A “bon” is the receipt you take when you buy something. Something “gebongt” means agreed or booked.
Was geht ab?
It’s the equivalent of “What’s up?” in English. “Was geht” is the even shorter version used by teenagers.
Is a greeting that means “hello” and “what are you doing?” at the same time. It’s also used along with “gehts” and some greeting words like “Na, alles gut?” to ask the other person “how are you doing?”
Nicht alle Tassen im Schrank haben
It means you are crazy. Literally: You don’t have all the cups in your cupboard.
Bock haben
Means being in good mood. When they say “Null bock” means they are in a bad mood.
Die Nase voll haben
Literally means “to have your nose full” and it refers to having enough of something that you are starting to lose your interest in the matter completely.
Chillen
Is a German slang version of “to chill” in English, meaning to hang out, have fun.
Aus der Reihe tanzen
Refers to those people who like to stay off the line, acting differently compared to the rest. It may also have a positive meaning for someone who is just minding his own business.
