German Conversation · Level 64
76 words
German word
Kumpel
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈkʊmpl̩/
Meaning
- masculine nounbuddy
Example
Ich treffe heute meinen Kumpel im Café.
I'm meeting my buddy at the café today.
More examples
Mein Kumpel hat mir beim Umzug geholfen.
My buddy helped me with the move.
Core concept
A familiar companion who shares everyday work, free time, and informal solidarity.
Common phrases
mein Kumpel
my buddy
guter Kumpel
good buddy
ein Kumpel von mir
a buddy of mine
Similar words
Freund: A trusted friend with a close personal bond.
Kollege: A person who works or studies alongside others in the same setting.
Bekannter: A casual acquaintance without a close personal relationship.
Definition in German
ein locker gebrauchter, umgangssprachlicher Ausdruck für einen Freund oder Kameraden, mit dem man Freizeit oder Arbeit teilt
Word origin
Kumpel developed as a colloquial shortening of Kumpan, a word for a companion ultimately related to Latin companio, 'one who shares bread'.
Usage tips
- Kumpel is masculine, but its plural is also Kumpel, as in zwei Kumpel; it is more informal than Freund in many contexts.