German word of the day: Jein
Before the days of Cro and Sido, the most influential name in German hip-hop was the Hamburg-based band Fettes Brot. So much so, we can thank one of their popular anthems for sprouting today’s 'word of the day': Jein.
What does it mean?
Jein is a combination, or portmanteau, of “ja” (yes) and “nein” (no). The term expresses indecision, indicating that the speaker is somewhere between a yes and a no, simultaneously agreeing and disagreeing, or consenting and rejecting an idea or proposal.
English speakers may use the terms “yeah but…” or “no but…” to express the idea of “jein”, or even a simple "Well, yes and no" or "Kind of."
Yet these terms wouldn’t generally be translated into German, as German is a lot more precise than English.
What are its origins?
The term was introduced into everyday German speech by the Hamburg-based hip-hop band Fettes Brot.
Their 1996 single, Jein, reached the Top 10 of the German charts. The main line of the song’s chorus asks: “Soll ich's wirklich machen oder lass ich's lieber sein?” (Should I do it or should I leave it alone?)
The song is about a man debating whether or not to cheat on his girlfriend.
The music video has a Western theme and sees the band dressed up as Mexican cowboy. It’s worth noting that the video is a product of its time, as cultural appropriation was rarely acknowledged or understood in the 1990s.
READ MORE: Why a Kita in Hamburg celebrated Carnival without Native American costumes
How is it used?
Jein is used relatively often in German; however, it is most commonly used in jest, and in a colloquial setting.
Some more business-appropriate alternatives to jein are “vielleicht” (perhaps), “eventuell” (possibly) or “teils” (partly).
Jein is generally followed by a statement that sets the out pros and cons of a proposal or idea.
Uses of Jein:
Findest du den Film gut? Jein, sie ist zwar technisch hervorragend gemacht, aber die Handlung lässt zu wünschen übrig.”
Do you like the film? Yeah, it’s technically excellent, but the plot leaves much to be desired.
Warst du schon einmal in Bremen? Jein. Ich war schon einmal da, bin aber nur durchgefahren. Ich habe die Stadt eigentlich nicht gesehen.”
Have you ever been to Bremen? Sort of. I've been there, but I was just driving through. I didn’t actually see the city.
“Lust auf einen Ausflug in den Schwarzwald? Jein, ein Ausflug wäre schön, aber ich würde lieber ins Ausland fahren.”
Fancy a trip to the Black Forest? Perhaps, a trip would be nice but I'd rather go abroad.
“Bist du bereit für deine Fahrprüfung? Jein...Ich bin ein guter Fahrer, aber ich werde unter Druck nervös!”
Are you ready for your driving test? Yeah, I'm a good driver, but I get nervous under pressure!
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What does it mean?
Jein is a combination, or portmanteau, of “ja” (yes) and “nein” (no). The term expresses indecision, indicating that the speaker is somewhere between a yes and a no, simultaneously agreeing and disagreeing, or consenting and rejecting an idea or proposal.
English speakers may use the terms “yeah but…” or “no but…” to express the idea of “jein”, or even a simple "Well, yes and no" or "Kind of."
Yet these terms wouldn’t generally be translated into German, as German is a lot more precise than English.
What are its origins?
The term was introduced into everyday German speech by the Hamburg-based hip-hop band Fettes Brot.
Their 1996 single, Jein, reached the Top 10 of the German charts. The main line of the song’s chorus asks: “Soll ich's wirklich machen oder lass ich's lieber sein?” (Should I do it or should I leave it alone?)
The song is about a man debating whether or not to cheat on his girlfriend.
The music video has a Western theme and sees the band dressed up as Mexican cowboy. It’s worth noting that the video is a product of its time, as cultural appropriation was rarely acknowledged or understood in the 1990s.
READ MORE: Why a Kita in Hamburg celebrated Carnival without Native American costumes
How is it used?
Jein is used relatively often in German; however, it is most commonly used in jest, and in a colloquial setting.
Some more business-appropriate alternatives to jein are “vielleicht” (perhaps), “eventuell” (possibly) or “teils” (partly).
Jein is generally followed by a statement that sets the out pros and cons of a proposal or idea.
Uses of Jein:
Findest du den Film gut? Jein, sie ist zwar technisch hervorragend gemacht, aber die Handlung lässt zu wünschen übrig.”
Do you like the film? Yeah, it’s technically excellent, but the plot leaves much to be desired.
Warst du schon einmal in Bremen? Jein. Ich war schon einmal da, bin aber nur durchgefahren. Ich habe die Stadt eigentlich nicht gesehen.”
Have you ever been to Bremen? Sort of. I've been there, but I was just driving through. I didn’t actually see the city.
“Lust auf einen Ausflug in den Schwarzwald? Jein, ein Ausflug wäre schön, aber ich würde lieber ins Ausland fahren.”
Fancy a trip to the Black Forest? Perhaps, a trip would be nice but I'd rather go abroad.
“Bist du bereit für deine Fahrprüfung? Jein...Ich bin ein guter Fahrer, aber ich werde unter Druck nervös!”
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