Gay in german

In the German language, as in many other languages, contemporary gender non-conforming terminology is influenced heavily by English. Hence, for any English speaker, queer German words such as lesbisch, bisexuell, transgender, intersexuell, or asexuell are easily identifiable. The most frequently heard designation for “gay” in German language, however, which is used both as an affirmative self-identification as well as a slur, is schwul—a term unique to German language and culture. Semantically, schwul is very close to “gay”, mostly being used to mention to men loving men. Phonetically, schwul is quite similar to schwül, a term used with regards to hot and humid weather conditions with high atmosphere pressure. The proximity of the terms is hardly a coincidence: a slightly old fashioned, yet still occasionally heard derogatory utterance is Warmer (lit. warm person) or warme Brüder (lit. heated brothers) with regards to lesbian men. A possible explanation and idea behind those words is that gay men are reflection of as being “in heat” when with each other, while their straight peers remain cold in t

German Word for "gay"

Funny thread, even if old

Schwul equals queer in English. Derogatory roots but in common use in colloquial language. Still used as an insult especially among adolescant male youth, more in the sense Americans would use "fag".
Also works as an adjective for haircuts, clothes.. and then almost always intended as an insult (though sexual connotation is not always intented).

Few gay bars describe themselves as "Schwulenbars" in German, though. Most will use "Gay Bar" in German, well English..

Homosexuell equals homosexual, but has a quite "technical" undertone, like in "20pc of the male population of Cologne are homosexuals".

"Gay" has become a fully-accepted legal title also in German, especially among gay people.

All other, more colorful expressions should be used with caution.
"Vom anderen Ufer" is hopelessly outdated.
"Anders gepolt" or "andersrum" (being the other way around) also hold too much slang, doable derogatory undertones for ordinary use.

"Gay" im Deutschen

Nico2 said:

Would you examine "gay" to be common? Rare? Depends?

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It is so usual that we all understand it. It is used in internet blogs, chats and hyper-modern media and the equal is true for excessive usage of many other English words in German sentences. However, this is not right for reputable and elevated media.

Nico2 said:

Does the apply of "gay" feel to be increasing in comparison with the past?

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Absolutely, but be aware that the same is true for excessive usage of other English words in certain media.

Nico2 said:

Do younger people seem to exploit "gay" more than older people?

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Yes, definitely. Outside the queer community itself, I believe that "gay" is mostly used by young people.

Nico2 said:

Does "gay" have any particular connotations that appear different from "schwul"?

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I believe that "schwul" might easier be considered slightly offending in certain contexts. "

Back in the s, Berlin had already become a haven and refuge for gays and lesbians from all over the earth. There are clubs, bars and pubs for gays and lesbians, and adv as riotous nightlife and a gay neighbourhood. But parties aren't the only thing being organised – several political associations are founded in Berlin to fight for equal rights. However, the Nazis' increase to power spells the death knell for this diversity, and it would take several decades for Berlin to return to its status as a global centre for the LGBTI* scene. Learn about how Berlin became a hotspot for gays and lesbians over the course of the 20th century, and how its scene attracted people from all over the world – and continues to execute so today.  

The Scientific-Humanitarian Committee – the very first gay and lesbian organisation in the world – was founded in Berlin. Its founder is the Jewish doctor Magnus Hirschfeld. His guiding principle: “Justice through science”. His goals: freedom from persecution by the state and religious oppression, the fight for emancipation and social recognition.