German word

Wahnsinn

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvaːnˌzɪn/

Meaning

  • interjectionamazing

Example

Das Konzert war Wahnsinn!

The concert was amazing!

Illustration for Wahnsinn (amazing)

More examples

Alter, Wahnsinn!

Dude, that’s crazy!

Core concept

A moment that bursts past normal limits and feels startlingly intense, whether thrilling or alarming.

Common phrases

  • Alter, Wahnsinn!

    Dude, that's amazing!

  • Unfassbar, Wahnsinn!

    Unbelievable, that's amazing!

Similar words

Geil: A vulgar exclamation showing strong delight at something exceptionally good.
Krass: A colloquial exclamation of intense surprise or strong impact.
Toll: A straightforward exclamation of joy, approval, or praise.
Unglaublich: An exclamation expressing astonishment that something seems impossible to believe.

Definition in German

Wahnsinn! Als Ausruf gebraucht, drückt es starke positive oder negative Überraschung aus und steht oft elliptisch für 'Das ist Wahnsinn'.

Word origin

Wahnsinn combines Wahn, 'delusion' or 'madness', with Sinn, 'mind' or 'sense', and its older meaning of mental derangement broadened into an exclamation for something extreme.

Usage tips

  • Wahnsinn is masculine, so the noun takes der, but the exclamation often appears bare or in Das ist Wahnsinn.

Other meanings

  • unbelievableadjective
  • wonderfuladjective

Related words

Word lists with this word