German word

scherzen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃɛɐ̯t͡sn̩/

Meaning

  • verbjoke

Example

Er scherzt oft mit seinen Kollegen.

He often jokes with his colleagues.

Illustration for scherzen (joke)

More examples

Am Abend scherzt er gern mit seinen Freunden.

In the evening, he likes to joke with his friends.

Core concept

A light exchange of playful remarks, where the words are not meant as serious claims.

Common phrases

  • mit Freunden scherzen

    joke with friends

  • über die Arbeit scherzen

    joke about work

  • flapsig scherzen

    joke flippantly

Similar words

spaßen: Joke around or act playfully to create a cheerful atmosphere.
witzeln: Make brief jokes or witty remarks for comic effect.
necken: Tease someone lightly for the pleasure of getting a reaction.
veralbern: Make fun of someone with mocking words or playful behavior.

Definition in German

scherzen heißt, jemanden durch witzige oder neckische Bemerkungen zum Lachen zu bringen, ohne es ernst zu meinen.

Word origin

The verb scherzen is formed from the noun Scherz, which has the related Middle High German form scherz.

Usage tips

  • The common pattern is mit jemandem scherzen, with the person expressed in the dative after mit.

Other meanings

  • fool aroundverb
  • teaseverb

Opposites

  • ernstnehmentake seriouslyverb

Related words

  • Scherzjokenoun
  • scherzhaftjokingadjective
  • Scherzboldjokesternoun

Word lists with this word