If you want to sound more natural in casual German — especially when talking about friends, coworkers, or teammates — learning how to say buddy in German is a great step. It’s a slangy, friendly word that shows up all the time in everyday speech.
The word is Kumpel — pronounced “KOOM-pel” (like cool with an m, then pell).
Kumpel is masculine, so it’s der Kumpel. The plural is die Kumpel (same form, but with a plural article). Unsure about the whole gender thing? My gender video lesson makes it all easy to follow, even for total beginners.
Kumpel is one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German, and it’s a great entry point into casual conversation.
Examples in all four cases:
Nominative:
Mein Kumpel hilft mir beim Umzug.
My buddy is helping me move.
Accusative:
Ich treffe meinen Kumpel später im Café.
I’m meeting my buddy at the café later.
Dative:
Ich gebe meinem Kumpel das Buch zurück.
I’m giving the book back to my buddy.
Genitive:
Das Auto meines Kumpels ist neu.
My buddy’s car is new.
Real-World Tips for Learners
Kumpel originally meant “miner” (as in coal miner), and in some regions it still carries that occupational meaning. But in most of Germany today, it’s a relaxed and friendly way to say buddy, mate, or pal — especially for male friends, though it’s not strictly limited by gender anymore.
ein alter Kumpel – an old buddy
ein guter Kumpel – a good friend
Kumpels treffen sich – buddies meet up
Er ist mein bester Kumpel. – He’s my best buddy.
In some circles, it’s slightly rough or informal, so don’t expect to hear it in ultra-polite or professional settings. But it’s perfect for casual German — especially among young people and in TV shows, sports, or after-work chats.
You'll also hear expressions like:
Was geht, Kumpel? – What’s up, buddy?
Beginner dialogue using Kumpel:
A: Kommst du mit ins Kino?
B: Klar, mein Kumpel ist auch dabei.
A: You coming to the movies?
B: Sure, my buddy’s coming too.
Now it’s your turn. Think of your answer and say it aloud using Kumpel.
“Wer ist dein ältester Kumpel – und wie habt ihr euch kennengelernt?”
Who’s your oldest buddy — and how did you meet?
Say your answer out loud in German and include Kumpel in the sentence.
German Word of the Day
Now you know how to say buddy in German — and how der Kumpel helps you sound more natural and social in real-world conversations.
Download the free illustrated PDF of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German to keep expanding your German vocabulary with real-life impact.
Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Check out Kuss — a short and emotional word you’ll hear everywhere.
Or revisit Küste — and dream of travel and wind in your hair.