German Compound Words Game: Build German Words From Their Parts
German loves to glue words together. A glove is a hand shoe (Handschuh). A skunk is a stink animal (Stinktier). A light bulb is a glow pear (Glühbirne). This German compound words game shows you the meaning and the funny literal translation, then asks you to build the word from the right pieces.
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Play free →What is German Compound Words Game?
It is the most shareable game on the site, because once you know that a turtle is a shield toad, you will want to tell everyone. It is also serious learning: understanding how compounds work lets you decode thousands of long German words you have never seen.
How to play German compound words game
- Read the English meaning and the literal translation.
- Tap the word pieces in the right order. Extra pieces are there to trick you.
- Press Build it! You get two tries per word.
- Read the breakdown of the word after each answer.
- Build six words and share your favourite discovery.
German compound words game levels from A1 to C1
Every level follows the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Each has one daily challenge shared by every player plus unlimited practice puzzles, well over 100 fresh variations per level every day.
| Level | Rules | What you practise |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1A1 Beginner | 2 extra pieces, literal hint | Handschuh, Kühlschrank, Frühstück |
| Level 2A2 Elementary | 4 extra pieces, literal hint | Staubsauger, Glühbirne, Fernseher |
| Level 3B1 Intermediate | 5 extra pieces, literal hint | Schildkröte, Stinktier, Wolkenkratzer |
| Level 4B2 Upper intermediate | 6 extra pieces, no literal hint | Ohrwurm, Fernweh, Drahtesel |
| Level 5C1 Advanced | 7 extra pieces, no literal hint | Schadenfreude, Torschlusspanik, Kummerspeck |
Why German compound words game helps you learn German faster
Decode any long word
Once you see the pattern, words like Krankenhaus or Lebensmittel explain themselves.
Grammar hidden inside
The last part decides the article: der Handschuh because der Schuh.
Built to share
Literal translations are funny, and funny things get remembered and shared.
Tips to win at German Compound Words Game
- The last piece is the main word. The first piece describes it.
- Watch for linking letters like s or n: Geburtstag, Sonnenbrille.
- The article of a compound comes from its last part.
- Try guessing the literal meaning of compounds you see on signs in Germany.
German Compound Words Game questions, answered
Everything learners ask us about German compound words game. Still unsure? Our teachers are happy to help.
Back to the game ↑Why does German have so many compound words?
German builds new words by joining existing ones instead of creating new roots. It makes long words, but also very logical ones.
Which article does a compound word take?
Always the article of the last part. Das Haus, so das Krankenhaus. Der Schuh, so der Handschuh.
What is the longest word in the game?
Handschuhschneeballwerfer, a glove snowball thrower. It is a joke word for a coward.
What does Kummerspeck mean?
Literally grief bacon. It is the weight you gain from comfort eating.
Is this game good for beginners?
Yes. Level 1 uses simple compounds with only two extra pieces and a literal hint.
What is the longest German word?
Very long compounds can be built freely. In this game the longest is Handschuhschneeballwerfer, a glove snowball thrower, meaning a coward.
What does Handschuh literally mean?
Hand shoe. It is the German word for glove.
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