SMS language is a language all of its own!
Just as there are standard SMS abbreviations in English, so there are for everyday German phrases.
So if you’ve just received an SMS from a German friend and can’t make sense of the German SMS abbreviations (Kürzel), or if you're trying to impress a German speaker, then I hope you’ll find this list of SMSs from A to L useful (click here for M to Z):
SMS | German | English |
---|---|---|
3n | nie, niemals, nirgendwo | no way, no how, nowhere |
8ung | Achtung! | Attention! |
ads | Alles deine Schuld | All your fault |
akla? | Alles Klar? | All right? |
asup | Antworte schnell und präzise | Answer quick and accurately |
aws | Auf Wiedersehen | Good-bye |
babs | Bin auf Brautsuche | Looking for a wife |
bb | Bis bald | Bye for now! |
bbb | Bis bald, Baby | Bye-bye, baby |
bda | Bis dann | So long |
benz | Bei Elchtest Notbremse ziehen | Pull emergency handbrake during elk test |
bgs | Brauche Geld sofort | Need money immediately |
bialzha | Bin allein zu Haus | I’m home alone |
bibaiur | Bin bald im Urlaub | Soon on holiday |
bidunowa | Bist du noch wach? | Still awake? |
biglbedi | Bin gleich bei dir | Will be with you in a minute |
biglzuhau | Bin gleich zu Hause | Will be home in just a sec |
bild | Bärchen, ich liebe dich | Bear, I love you |
biimfüdida | Bin immer für Dich da | I’m always there for you |
bruaduhi | Brauchst Du Hilfe? | Do you need help? |
bribimi | Bring Bild mit | Bring picture with you |
bs | Bis später | See you later! |
cola | Come Later | Come later |
dad (or) deandi | Denke an dich | Thinking about you |
div | Danke im Voraus | Thanks in advance |
dubido | Du bist doof | You’re stupid |
dubimeile | Du bist mein Leben | You are my life |
duwasu | Du warst Super | You were super |
duwipa | Du wirst Papa | You’re going to be a dad! |
fümiein | Fühle mich einsam | Feeling lonely |
G | Grinsen | grin, smile |
G&K, GuK | Gruß und Kuss | Love and kisses |
GN8 | Gute Nacht | Good night |
gngn | Geht nicht, gibt’s nicht | No is not an option / No such thing as no |
hahuwidumimies | Habe hunger. Willst du mit mir essen? | I‘m hungry. Want to eat with me? |
haduluaueibi | Hast du Lust auf ein Bier? | Fancy a beer? |
hase | Habe Sehnsucht | Miss you! |
hdl | Habe dich lieb | love you (to friend) |
ibafm | Ich bremse auch für Männer | I also brake for men |
ibiflila | Ich bin in Flirtlaune | I fancy a flirt |
ild | Ich liebe dich | I love you (girl/boyfriend etc.) |
ilidiuvemidi | Ich liebe dich und vermisse dich | I love you and miss you |
isdn | Ich sehe deine Nummer | I see your number/td> |
isisih | Ich schwebe im siebten Himmel | I’m on cloud nine |
islano | Ich schlafe noch | I’m still asleep |
kajenimemispä | Kann jetzt nicht. Melde mich später | Can’t now. Will be in touch later |
katze | Kannste Tanzen? | Can you dance? |
keschrumian | Kein Schwein ruft mich an | No one calls me |
kssm | Kein Schwein schreibt mir | No one writes to me |
kvb | Kannst vergessen Baby | You can forget that, baby |
lamawi | Lach mal wieder | Laugh again |
lamiinfri | Lass mich in Frieden | Leave me alone |
lamito | Lach mich tot | Killing myself laughing |
leia | Liebling, es ist aus | Darling, it’s over |
lidumino | Liebst du mich noch? | Do you still love me? |
lma | lass mich ausschlafen | Let me sleep in |
love | Liebe ohne Vertrauen endet | Loves ends without trust |
luauki | Lust auf Kino? | Fancy going to the movies? |
(That was just the first half.... continue to German SMS language from M to Z)
The language of SMS is yet another wonderful world where English is steadily creeping in. For example, the German verb for sending an SMS is smsen, (pronounced "ess-emm-ess-en"). Lovely!
However, I'm really surprised how hard it is to find a book on the subject.
The nearest I've got to is 100 Prozent Jugendsprache 2021, about what German youngsters are saying these days which is great fun and will certainly impress the locals, but it's not strictly SMS language.
So if you find a great SMS book or resource, I'd really love to hear about it!
Akla?
SFH!
Joanna
German Translation Tips & Resources
Joanna Scudamore-Trezek
I'm a German to English translator living and working in Vienna, Austria. I turn German texts into clear and accessible English, allowing clients to present their stories, ideas and information to a completely new audience. My business and marketing clients rely on me to get their message across clearly and effectively. How can I help you today?