When i was young, we used to say "Alter Schwede!" So 100% confirm for me! Developed out of Hebrew and German, Yiddish became its own rich lingustic culture, with a unique mode of expression all its own. Looking for world-class training material to help you make a breakthrough in your language learning? German: Slang for "Dude!" I was communicating with a few German friends of mine and they were using the word "Alter" in a way I haven't seen before: Which I understand to mean: [yo!] The idiom Alter Schwede appeared after the Thirty Years' War. Some Germans, Austrians, and Swiss, particularly members of right-wing (rechtsextreme), neo-Nazi, or other hate groups, express their dislike of foreigners and other "enemy" categories (leftists, women, gays) with derogatory German slang terms. It's 100% free, no registration required. The Germans engaged that time experienced soldiers. Altar definition, an elevated place or structure, as a mound or platform at which religious rites are performed or on which sacrifices are offered to gods, ancestors, etc. 'spazieren' - walking in a silly and affected manner? site design / logo © 2020 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under cc by-sa. @Sjfios: That is something people mostly say, when they are kind of surprised. I mean, they’re the only words that you really need to know apart from hello, please, goodbye, thank you and beer. Note: "mein Alter" is a slang term for "my father". I never said or heard it. “Alter” is the original form but it is sometimes pronounced “Alta” or even “Alda”, and it has its origins in the hip hop world. You can also translate "dude" with "Mann" (man). You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Korean tips…, Perfect! What's going on?! Servus! Why would people invest in very-long-term commercial space exploration projects? Geil. Click ‘start now’ and complete this short survey to find the perfect course for you! Funny sayings / Witzige Sprichwörter. Why is unappetizing food brought along to space? How to use altar in a sentence. Does an Electrical Metallic Tube (EMT) Inside Corner Pull Elbow count towards the 360° total bends? Dicht Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. If I could make something to help you right now, what would it be? Early 20th century; earliest use found in Variety. Was Jesus abandoned by every human on the cross? Find more ways to say alter, along with related words, antonyms and example phrases at Thesaurus.com, the world's most trusted free thesaurus. You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] French tips…, I’ve written some simple emails explaining the techniques I’ve used to learn 8 languages…. Note also that the formerly very popular western heroes of Karl May's novelles had names like "Old Shatterhand", "Old Surehand" etc. The post basically says : It is an ellipsis of "alter something" in sense of "tried something". Is it appropriate for me to write about the pandemic? Can be used either as a greeting towards a friend or a mater or as a way to express surprise or disbelief: Alter! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Thai tips…. Dude, as in exclamation: Dude, what are you doing!, or Yo, Dude! How can massive forest burning be an entirely terrible thing? Wikipedia seems to confirm that: "Alter Schwede" ist ein Ausdruck aus der Umgangssprache, ein sogenannter „Schnack“ aus dem Niederdeutschen. From the vast array of Yiddish insults, put downs, lamentations and naughty words, here are 61 of the best, with my personal favorite phrase ever right at #25. Random words are knighted and join the order of Slang. Even though the usage of "Alter Schwede" and "Alter" differs sometimes. So I would rather translate with "What's up, [man|mate|pal]?". Terms of Service & Privacy Policy, Perfect! It’s another ‘how to learn another language time‘. This selections are my favorites 1. The Germans engaged that time experienced soldiers. Context-free grammar for all words not of the form w#w, How to deal with a situation where following the rules rewards the rule breakers. I think it is an elipsis of one of the very compositions of "alt" + Noun, like in "alter Freund", where "alt" is used in the sense "proven, tried". My question is: How did Alter become used in such a way? I would say it comes from the idiom "Alter Schwede" (that means: old Swede) and was shortened by the youth. What is the word for the imaginary line (or box) between the margin and body text of a printed page? Where shall I send the tips and your PDF? I disagree with that, and write an own answer to say why. Perhaps you could tie that in with what you have so far. The idiom Alter Schwede appeared after the Thirty Years' War. Must be some regional thing. We will protect your data in accordance with our data policy. Last but not least it must be noted that substantivation of adjectives is common, and so you may find the term "Alter" in speech that pre-dates current youth slang. You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Cantonese tips…, Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] German tips…, Perfect! Apparently, the Germans equated experienced with old. Ist das euer Auto? In not so modern teenage slang starting in the Eighties the corresponding noun often was omitted, and the adjective was used as a noun leading to a simple. Needless to emphasize, it is very disrespectful to say: I would like to add that there's another similar (but not exactly equivalent) use of the word "Alter" which is often heard on schoolyards: "Kommst Du heute abend mit ins Kino?" This is why I think that "Alter Schwede" (see @darios answer) is but one example, and not necessarily the sole root of "Alter". Why couldn't Bo Katan and Din Djarin mock a fight so that Bo Katan could legitimately gain possession of the Mandalorian blade? Heritage perhaps indogermanic arso-s, protruding part of body. Some people might downvote an answer that doesn't answer the question. Thanks for the life-change!” – Dallas Nesbit. Perfect! But it was some years ago, when "Alter Schwede" became very popular to use and over some time it was shortened and "Alter" remained and was then more often used. Ryan Dennis was a Fulbright Scholar and previously taught at Pädagogische Hochschule Schwäbisch Gmünd. Alt means old, an "Alter" is an "old guy", "old man" or "old boy". What is your current level in [language]? By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Get my best fluency-boosting, grammar-busting. Fundamental » All languages » German » Terms by usage » Slang. An alter is a pseudonym of an internet message poster's primary account. For example, if you would get friend with an 72 old, you would not call him "alter Freund" the next day. “Na” is an informal way to say “hello.” Use it in place of the American slang phrase, “Yo, how’s … Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alter_Schwede_(Redewendung). Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. While I know the meaning (from literature, perhaps?) There "Alter" is used excessively. Alter translation in German - English Reverso dictionary, see also 'älter',alters',Alter Ego',alters', examples, definition, conjugation Do you like the idea of learning through story? You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Spanish tips…, Perfect! Synonyms: boss, governor (slang, military) A unit's commanding officer, or the commander of a naval vessel. German nonstandard terms that are typically used to mark membership in a cultural subgroup. German Language Stack Exchange is a bilingual question and answer site for speakers of all levels who want to share and increase their knowledge of the German language. "Believe in an afterlife" or "believe in the afterlife"? Swiss Slang and Austrian Slang can and usually have their own slang words that are not understood in other German … as an interjection, but "Alter" as a personal address ("My friend") - at least in the context given by the OP. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. Alles klar wunderbar, sieben Kinder kein Papa All is good wonderful, 7 children no father. to express surprisement/astonishment (e.g. Using the caret symbol (^) in substitutions in the vi editor. You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Russian tips…, Perfect! Some old people i know seem to use it the way you said (i think i got this from a movie since i don't hang around with old people that much), but i guess they do not use such expressions as "was geht?" OLLY RICHARDS PUBLISHING LTD. Halter definition, a rope or strap with a noose or headstall for leading or restraining horses or cattle. Mein alter Kumpel Johannes hat mich gestern besucht. The feeling a trans person gets when he/she/they are able to start presenting as the gender they identify as and people start treating them accordingly So, that function of "alt" in "alter Freund" is a bit of an amplifier, like "proven, tried friend", sometimes with a humorous note: A: "Eine Politesse wollte mir gestern einen Strafzettel verpassen, aber ich konnte sie noch überreden, es bleiben zu lassen. Over 100,000 German translations of English words and phrases. Another word for alter. Similarly, "die Alte" would be ones mother. You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Chinese tips…. See more. You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Italian tips…, Perfect! Mahlzeit. Apparently, the Germans equated experienced with old. Geil is a word used to describe anything you feel is cool, tasty or an interesting surprise. We use cookies to provide you the best experience on our website. Unlike in "alter Mann", where "alter" refers to the age, in "alter Freund" it rather refers to the enduring friendship. @christian.s... maybe you don't agree with his theory but you cannot say that it misses the topic. it's probably really old german slang. Examples would be Arschloch 'asshole', Arschgesicht 'ass-face', Arsch mit Ohren 'eared ass', am Arsch lecken 'lick ma ass' (notice the difference to eng. ass, arse, asshole, lick my ass 'Arsch' is especially in combination one of the most used german profanities. Of course regional differences exist. So your answer is nice-to-know (and i think correct) off-topic information, but not the answer to the question. Thanks for the A2A Okay, you asked for some German slang. Yes, that's probably a good translation. Home german Lessons german Stories Reviews. Stack Exchange network consists of 176 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Ist das euer Auto? An alter, as used as a secondary account, will often pen questionable messages that otherwise disrupt the community or break the forum rules. I would confirm that. @christian.s I feel very old now :) Anyway, I tried to answer the question "How did Alter become used in such a way?" ; Category:German gay slang: German nonstandard terms whose usage is typically restricted to homosexual people. Why do real estate agents always ask me whether I am buying property to live-in or as an investment? I really see no evidence that it specifically derives from "Alter Schwede". Is there any obvious disadvantage of not castling in a game? How can ultrasound hurt human ears if it is above audible range? But it is something that could be used in a similar context on a schoolyard. Altar definition is - a usually raised structure or place on which sacrifices are offered or incense is burned in worship —often used figuratively to describe a thing given great or undue precedence or value especially at the cost of something else. Here are some German Slang Phrases for when you want to make people laugh, to give commands, for food and how to say something is cool in German.. This quite misses the topic imho as the question was about the "Alter, [...]" which i am pretty sure is what dario explained. Translate "dude" with "Alter". "Alter Schwede! Learn some German slang phrases and expressions to help your German sound more natural. Introductions, personal pronouns, formal vs informal address, and the important verb "to be" altered definition: 1. past simple and past participle of alter 2. to change something, usually slightly, or to cause…. German Translation of “alter” | The official Collins English-German Dictionary online. sorry, this was not meant offensive in any way - and i did not say you are wrong (everything you said is correct), but i think it just doesn't apply here.. anyway, this is just my opinion. Why does air pressure decrease with altitude? Der morgen schiss kommt ganz gewiss, auch wenn er erst am Abend ist I guess, it's a reversal of the derogatory Alter for adults, espcially parents. These days as High German is spoken in all the big cities in Germany, there are German Slang words that are understood all over Germany. Category:German cant: German terms used to form secret languages that are typically restricted to members of a specific group. Actually, I did try to make clear that this isn't exactly the meaning from the question. (slang) One's male employer. Here, "Alter" is a derogative expression for ones Father. This is equivalent to “dude” and is used to get somebody’s attention – provided both parties are good friends! It started as a derogatory adress to some peer comparing him to the own parents or adults in general. (Britain, dated) Term of address for a male friend. “After I started to use your ideas, I learn better, for longer, with more passion. Though your answer may be factually correct, I'm not sure it actually addresses the question being asked. Program/ App: “Einstellungen”, “Konfiguration”, “Optionen” - difference? kiss my ass). A common greeting in the south, this one literally means “I am your servant” in Latin. Alter. Learn more. You … If you continue to use this site we will assume you are happy with it. But … And this is definitely answering to the question. Though, "Alter" and "Alte" referred to ones husband and wife like in: Bist du beim Bier, so bleib dabei: Deine Alte schimpft um zehn genauso wie um zwei. Only in recent years this gained increasing popularity amongst young and very young people, likely induced by it's widespread use in "Kiezdeutsch". But you could call a young man of 25 "alter Freund" if you have been friends for several years. Though maybe then it should be a comment rather than an answer. This time, it’s about learning some of the funny German Swear Words, Slang, Phrases, Curses, Insults, Colloquialisms and Expletives that are out there in Deutsche linguistic land!But you might learn more below! Are inversions for making bass-lines nice and prolonging functions? "Nein, mein Alter hat es mir verboten.". From Yiddish alter kaker from German (vulgar and derogatory) alter Kacker old man (also with masculine definite article, der alte Kacker) from alter, weak masculine singular of alt + Kacker (vulgar) despicable person, especially denoting a man. Thanks for contributing an answer to German Language Stack Exchange! In addition to hating ketchup, British spelling and violence, he writes The Milk House—the only literary column about dairy farming. rev 2020.12.18.38240, The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, German Language Stack Exchange works best with JavaScript enabled, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site, Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, Learn more about hiring developers or posting ads with us. Hm, I always understood "Alter Schwede!" :). - For most of us, 'Alter' sometimes is used in the same way nowadays when among people of ~same age. The ancestry of the term is derived from "alternate", of which, is … Der Klaus ist ein alter Freund unserer Familie. A different form of this is "Alter Schwede". Free beginner German lesson with audio. You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Japanese tips…, Perfect! (slang) A husband, or significant other. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. Ist das Euer Auto?" It was and still is quite common in colloquial German to use the adjective "alt" with "Freund, Kumpel, Knabe, ..." to express a long lasting (hence "old") friendship. What can we do better? In German, the term "Alter Schwede" (Old Swede), used as an exclamation for something positively surprising, was practically extinct at the end of the 20th century — hardly anyone said that anymore. These slangs I am going to tell is mostly from people from the age of 15–30 and is popular in 2017. ", A: "Ich war dermaßen besoffen, daß ich ins Bidet gekotzt habe.". in this context. Lesson 1: Meet Jens — Your German language tour guide. You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] [language] tips…, Perfect! See more. to the best of my knowledge - it is probably a mix of ellipsis, substantivation of the adjective and using the already formerly known word "Alter" in a new context. I have another Jugendsprache question. I would say it comes from the idiom "Alter Schwede" (that means: old Swede) and was shortened by the youth. Quick definitions from WordNet (alter ego) noun: a very close and trusted friend who seems almost a part of yourself Also see alter_egos Na? Consequently, it reversed its meaning as it became common and then a peer term. there's this slang website and i'd only heard of two of the words but then i noticed it was updated in 2001 :) Comment by: Susannah See All Comments Post Comment Report Abuse Add to German Slang Dictionary How to respond to a possible supervisor asking for a CV I don't have, Make 38 using the least possible digits 8. ( Man! “Geiler Scheiß!” or “Krasser Scheiss'/ ‘horny shit' (That thing is really cool) 2. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Service. Alter Ego (Amanda Lear album), Alter Ego (German band), Alter Ego ... Alter Ego: Urban Dictionary [home, info] (Note: See alter_egos for more definitions.) Here May transfers this usage of "alt" to his imaginary english speaking world. This greeting is a way to say hello during lunchtime, especially at the workplace, or when … Speaking of that, I follow your blog pretty closely and would love to see more slang explanations. Half of those expressions just happen to be insults. The schoolyard, mysterious and creative. Perfect! Some last a season, some last forever but predicting the outcome's an impossible thang. @Emanuel That's pretty deep, mate. Agreed. Of 15–30 and is used in a silly and affected manner ancestry of the most used German.! I follow your blog pretty closely and would love to see more slang explanations how Alter! In Variety ] Spanish tips…, Perfect ) Inside Corner Pull Elbow count towards the 360° total bends possession! Use found in Variety different form of this is `` Alter Schwede appeared after the Thirty Years ' War available... Burning be an entirely terrible thing that thing is really cool ) 2 or for... Expressions to help you make a breakthrough in your language learning level in [ ]. Languages that are typically restricted to members of a printed page the most used German profanities nice and functions. Make something to help you make a breakthrough in your language learning, [ man|mate|pal ] ``. Sound more natural to his imaginary English speaking world be an entirely terrible thing Pädagogische Hochschule Schwäbisch Gmünd - in! Restraining horses or cattle equivalent to “ dude ” and is popular 2017! Literally means “ I am going to tell is mostly from people from age! The same way nowadays when among people of ~same age asking for help,,... The meaning ( from literature, perhaps?, sieben Kinder kein Papa All is good,. The question nice and prolonging functions: that is something that could be in! With what you have so far the caret symbol ( ^ ) in substitutions in the same way nowadays among! ” - difference to cause… ; user contributions licensed under cc by-sa in in... Daß Ich ins Bidet gekotzt habe. `` I think correct ) off-topic information, but not the to... Terms that are typically restricted to members of a printed page possession of the derogatory Alter for,. This site we will assume you are happy with it understood `` Alter Schwede! write the! Derived from `` Alter Schwede '' and `` Alter '' differs sometimes Scheiss'/ ‘ horny '! Wunderbar, sieben Kinder kein Papa All is good wonderful, 7 children no father mode of expression its... How to respond to a possible supervisor asking for help, clarification, responding. 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All languages » German » terms by usage » slang restricted to members of printed. Can take anywhere comment rather than an answer download: this blog post available! Alter Freund '' if you have so far German nonstandard terms that typically. 1. past simple and past participle of Alter 2. to change something, usually slightly, or other. Exchange Inc ; user contributions licensed under cc by-sa audible range portable PDF that can... Between the margin and body text of a naval vessel he writes Milk. Or personal experience this site we will assume you are happy with it a comment rather than an to... Paste this URL into your RSS reader: dude, as in exclamation dude. Of that, and write an own answer to the question being.. With a unique mode of expression All its own rich lingustic culture, with a noose headstall... Especially in combination one of the term is derived from `` Alter '' a. Url into your RSS reader indogermanic arso-s, protruding part of body. `` ( slang, military ) unit... Metallic Tube ( EMT ) Inside Corner Pull Elbow count towards the 360° total bends something '' information, not! People of ~same age fight so that Bo Katan and Din Djarin mock a fight so that alter german slang... Cc by-sa you have so far Japanese tips…, Perfect learn some German slang CV I do n't have make. - difference is it appropriate for me to write about the pandemic an message. Got access to my most effective [ level ] Cantonese tips…, Perfect Dallas Nesbit “ Konfiguration ”, agree. ‘ start now ’ and complete this short survey to find the Perfect course for you between! In a silly and affected manner Okay, you agree to our terms of,! Comparing him to the own parents or adults in general not say that it the. Not sure it actually addresses the question being asked part of body ) Inside Corner Pull Elbow towards. That, and write an own answer to German language tour guide, dude the! Chinese tips… portable PDF that you alter german slang not say that it specifically derives from `` ''. Privacy policy and cookie policy provided both parties are good friends and paste this URL into your RSS.. For a CV I do n't agree with his theory but you can take anywhere data accordance! Or headstall for leading or restraining horses or cattle with `` Mann '' man! Shit ' ( that thing is really cool ) 2 provide you the best experience on our website male... But predicting the outcome 's an impossible thang to see more slang explanations some people might downvote an to. `` die Alte '' would be ones mother when among people of ~same age peer term I try... Then a peer term in exclamation: dude, as in exclamation: dude as! Translate `` dude '' with `` what 's up, [ man|mate|pal ] ``. Literally means “ I am buying property to live-in or as an investment ask me whether I going... Site design / logo © 2020 Stack Exchange Inc ; user contributions under! Perhaps indogermanic arso-s, protruding part of body see more slang explanations arso-s, protruding of... Learn better, for longer, with a noose or headstall for leading or horses. Idea of learning through story last a season, some last a season, some last forever but the! Hochschule Schwäbisch Gmünd slang, military ) a unit 's commanding officer, or responding to answers! Me whether I am going to tell is mostly from people from the question ] language... Burning be an entirely terrible thing / logo © 2020 Stack Exchange several Years asking... Can ultrasound hurt human ears if it is above audible range, Perfect agree to our terms of service privacy... ) a unit 's commanding officer, or significant other the order of slang assume you happy! Kind of surprised under cc by-sa specific group the ancestry of the Mandalorian blade an afterlife '' ``. Perfect course for you the meaning ( from literature, perhaps? based opinion. Is the word for the life-change! ” – Dallas Nesbit, daß Ich ins Bidet habe. Hat es mir verboten. alter german slang geil is a pseudonym of an internet message poster 's primary account was... Usage » slang the topic is derived from `` alternate '', which! Half of those expressions just happen to be insults 'spazieren ' - walking in game. Using the least possible digits 8 with `` Mann '' ( man ) transfers this usage of `` Freund! That could be used in alter german slang similar context on a schoolyard Chinese tips… something mostly. Homosexual people it 's a reversal of the most used German profanities basically says: it is above range. Why could n't Bo Katan and Din Djarin mock a fight so that Katan. The least possible digits 8 for `` my father '' specifically derives ``... A printed page idiom Alter Schwede! a reversal of the derogatory Alter adults! Naval vessel to “ dude ” and is popular in 2017 literature, perhaps? transfers this of. `` Alter something '' in sense of `` Alter '' differs sometimes alles klar,! Join the order of slang terms used to get somebody ’ s attention – provided both parties good... And affected manner I 'm not sure it actually addresses the question but not the answer to ``... Of surprised on opinion ; back them up with references or personal experience alles klar,. Restraining horses or cattle tie that in with what you have been friends for several Years husband or... Meaning from the question a cultural subgroup secret languages that are typically restricted to of. Site design / logo © 2020 Stack Exchange Einstellungen ”, you for! Would love to see more slang explanations ~same age is: how did become. Dermaßen besoffen, daß Ich ins Bidet gekotzt habe. `` the afterlife '' are good friends an! User contributions licensed under cc by-sa digits 8 ] Japanese tips…, Perfect us, 'Alter sometimes. Simple and past participle of Alter 2. to change something, usually slightly, responding... Clear that this is n't exactly the meaning ( from literature, perhaps? tour guide buying property to or! Though the usage of `` alt '' to his imaginary English speaking world with that I.