der  Arsch

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/aʁʃ/

What does "der Arsch" mean? 🤔

The word der Arsch is a masculine noun in German. It has several meanings, mostly ranging from colloquial to very vulgar:

• Body part: The most common, yet crude term for the buttocks, bottom, or ass (in English usage) of a person or animal. Example: "Er ist auf den Arsch gefallen." (He fell on his ass.)
• Insult: A very vulgar 🚨 and derogatory term for a person perceived as unpleasant, unfair, or stupid. Comparable to "asshole" or "jerk" in English, often considered even stronger. Example: "Dieser Kerl ist echt ein Arsch!" (That guy is really an asshole!)
• Metaphorical: It can also be used metaphorically, often in idioms, to describe the end, the very back part, or an unpleasant situation. Example: "Wir wohnen am Arsch der Welt." (We live in the middle of nowhere / at the ass-end of the world.)

⚠️ Important Note: "Arsch" is considered highly vulgar and should absolutely be avoided in formal or polite contexts. Its use can be perceived as offensive and disrespectful.

Grammar in Detail: Der Arsch

"Arsch" is a strong masculine noun. Here is its declension:

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

Example Sentences 🗣️

1. Nominative: Der Arsch tut ihm weh.
   (His ass hurts.)
2. Genitive: Das ist ein Tritt des Arsches.
   (That's a kick of the ass - rare phrasing, usually 'ein Tritt in den Arsch'.)
3. Dative: Er gab ihm einen Tritt in den Arsch. (Accusative object after preposition 'in' indicating movement)
   (He gave him a kick in the ass.) / Er gab dem Arsch keine Beachtung (referring to a person).
   (He paid no attention to the asshole.)
4. Accusative: Er hat einen flachen Arsch.
   (He has a flat ass.)
5. Plural: All die Ärsche sollen verschwinden! (very vulgar)
   (All the assholes should disappear!)

Usage Notes: When and how to use "der Arsch"?

The use of der Arsch heavily depends on the context and is almost always informal and vulgar.

• Anatomical: Even when referring to the buttocks, "Arsch" is significantly cruder than *Hintern* or *Po*. It's more likely used among friends or in very casual speech.
• As an Insult: This is one of its most frequent uses. It expresses strong anger or contempt. The intensified form is often *das Arschloch* (asshole).
• In Idioms: Here, the word often has a weakened, but still informal to crude connotation.
  • "Leck mich am Arsch!" (LmaA): Expression of refusal, indifference; translates roughly to *"Kiss my ass!"* or *"Go screw yourself!"*. Famously linked to Götz von Berlichingen.
  • "am Arsch der Welt": *in the middle of nowhere*, *in the back of beyond*.
  • "den Arsch hochkriegen": *to get off your ass*, *to get moving*.
  • "jemandem in den Arsch kriechen": *to kiss someone's ass*, *to suck up to someone*.
  • "die Arschkarte ziehen": *to draw the short straw*, *to be the unlucky one*.

🚨 Avoid the word in official writing, formal conversations, at the workplace (unless perhaps among very close colleagues, depending heavily on the situation), or when speaking to figures of authority or respect.

Comparison: While *Hintern* and *Gesäß* are neutral to formal terms for the body part, and *Popo* or *Po* sound more childish or diminutive, *Arsch* is clearly at the vulgar end of the spectrum.

Memory Aids for "der Arsch" 🧠

Article Mnemonic: Think of a typically tough *guy* (associated with masculine DER in German stereotypes) behaving like an ass (Arsch). DER guy is an Arsch.

Meaning Mnemonic (Body Part): Imagine someone sitting on a hard chair and exclaiming, "Ah, my..." The 'A' sound at the beginning of "Arsch" resembles a cry of pain associated with the *buttocks*.

Meaning Mnemonic (Insult): The English word "arse" sounds very similar and also carries the vulgar meanings (both body part and insult).

Synonyms & Antonyms for Arsch

Similar, but Different Words ⚠️

• Das Arschloch: Often used synonymously with the insult *Arsch*, but it's a separate noun (neuter gender). Literally means 'asshole' (the anatomical opening) but is almost exclusively used as an even stronger insult than *Arsch*.

A Little (Harmless) Joke 😄

Warum nehmen Mathematiker immer Klopapier mit?
Falls sie sich mal im Arsch verrechnen!

Translation/Explanation:
Why do mathematicians always carry toilet paper?
In case they miscalculate in the ass!

(This joke plays on the literal meaning and the idiom *"am Arsch sein"*, meaning *"to be screwed/in trouble"*. *"Sich verrechnen"* means *"to miscalculate"*.)

Rhyme Time! ✍️

Der Po und der Arsch

Der Po, der klingt ganz harmlos, fein,
man setzt sich drauf, so soll es sein.
Doch sagt man "Arsch", klingt's rau und direkt,
hart oft schon Leute tief erschreckt.
Ob Hintern, Steiß, ob vier Buchstaben nur,
es bleibt Teil menschlicher Natur.
Doch Vorsicht bei der Wortwahl, klar,
sonst gibt's am Ende noch Gefahr!

Translation:

The Bottom and the Ass

The *Po* (*bottom*) sounds harmless, fine,
you sit on it, as by design.
But say "Arsch" (*ass*), it sounds rough and direct,
has often startled folks, caused disrespect.
Whether *Hintern* (*behind*), buttock, or just four letters' sound,
it remains part of human ground.
But be careful with word choice, make it clear,
or else, in the end, there might be fear!

Little Riddle for You 💡

Ich habe Backen, doch kein Gesicht,
man sitzt auf mir, ich bin kein Stuhl, kein Licht.
Als Schimpfwort werd' ich oft gebraucht,
bin derb und manchmal auch verraucht.
Ich trage Hosen, Tag für Tag,
was bin ich wohl, ist meine Frag'?

Translation:

I have cheeks, but not a face,
people sit on me, I'm not a chair, not a light's space.
As a curse word, I'm often used,
I'm crude and sometimes abused.
I wear trousers, day by day,
what am I then, is what I pray?

Answer: Der Arsch (The ass/buttocks)

More Interesting Facts 🤓

• Etymology: The word *Arsch* derives from the Old High German *ars* and has cognates in many Germanic languages (e.g., English "arse"/"ass"). It is a very old word.
• Cultural Significance: The idiom *"Leck mich am Arsch"* (*Kiss my ass*) was famously used in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's play *Götz von Berlichingen* and is deeply embedded in the German language, often abbreviated as *LmaA* or implied by pointing to one's rear.
• Taboo Word: Due to its vulgarity, *Arsch* is considered a taboo word in German, and its use can be socially sanctioned.