Japanese Sound Words Loved in Germany: From “Zuru Zuru” to “Shiin…”

Did you know that some Japanese onomatopoeia have quietly made their way into German pop culture and fandom spaces?

Thanks to anime, language curiosity, and a love for linguistic precision, words like zuru zuru and shiin… are gaining recognition among German fans.

How German Fans First Encounter Japanese Onomatopoeia

Japanese sound words are not usually taught in language classes — but many German fans encounter them naturally through pop culture. Here’s how:

Language and culture videos

German-speaking language YouTubers love exploring “untranslatable” Japanese words, and onomatopoeia are among their favorites for explaining subtle nuance and emotional context.

Anime (e.g., Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, Ghibli films)

Sound words often enhance emotional scenes or action moments. German dubs sometimes preserve the Japanese terms in subtitles or speech.

Manga (with sound effects left in original Japanese)

In many German manga editions, the sound effects stay in Japanese with small translations in the margins, letting readers see the original script.

Cosplay and conventions

Events like Dokomi or AnimagiC in Germany feature fans using props with sound words like shiin or baki! to decorate costumes and panels.

Social media & TikTok

Onomatopoeia are sometimes used in memes or as hashtags by German anime fans, especially in reaction videos or parody voiceovers.

Popular Japanese Sound Words in Germany

Zuru Zuru (ずるずる)

Meaning: Slurping
Where it appears: Noodle-eating scenes in anime

German fans find zuru zuru both funny and fascinating because it’s so culturally different. Slurping is uncommon in German etiquette, so it becomes a memorable (and often imitated) sound.

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Shiin… (しーん…)

Meaning: Silence, tension
Where it appears: Awkward or suspenseful moments

This quiet sound has no direct German equivalent, which makes it especially interesting. It often appears in comedic or eerie scenes and is popular among meme creators.

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Baki! (ばきっ)

Meaning: Crack, impact
Where it appears: Fights, dramatic accidents

Baki! is easy to recognize and fun to say. German manga readers love it in action series like Naruto or My Hero Academia.

Gatan (がたん)

Meaning: Clatter, crash (esp. trains or metal)
Where it appears: Train scenes, tension-building moments

Many Germans recognize this sound from Studio Ghibli scenes or city-based anime. The mechanical vibe resonates well with German fans.

Doki Doki (どきどき)

Meaning: Heart beating fast
Where it appears: Romance and thriller scenes

Although more commonly loved in other countries, doki doki still holds a spot among German anime fans, especially those who enjoy shojo manga.

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Why Germans Love These Words

Visually present in manga, offering a direct learning experience

Linguistic curiosity: “Words that sound like meaning”

Fun to pronounce and use casually in fan communities

Unique to Japanese culture, making them feel exotic and expressive

Fun Fact

German manga publishers often include small footnotes translating onomatopoeia while preserving the original characters.

This blend of exposure and explanation helps fans gradually learn and enjoy Japanese sound culture.