verb

verkacken

screw up

The German word "verkacken" is a colloquial and somewhat vulgar verb meaning "to mess up" or "to screw up". It originates from the prefix "ver-" and the root "kacken", which literally means "to poop" (a vulgar way to say defecate). Together, "verkacken" conveys the idea of doing something very badly or failing miserably.

Similar words:

  • versemmeln (to botch)
  • vermurksen (to bungle)
  • vermasseln (to mess up)

Difference:
"Verkacken" is more informal and stronger in tone, often used among friends or in casual speech, while "versemmeln" and "vermasseln" are still informal but less vulgar. "Vermurken" carries a similar informal but less coarse connotation.

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Examples

Er hat die Prüfung total verkackt.verb

He totally screwed up the exam.

Wenn wir uns nicht konzentrieren, verkacken wir.verb

If we don't concentrate, we will screw up.

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