German Body Language Vocabulary (B1-B2): Gestures & Expressions

Body language is an integral part of communication. Understanding the right vocabulary for gestures and posture can enhance your fluency in German and help you convey meaning more clearly. In this guide, we’ll cover 20 essential terms with English translations and example sentences.

German Body Language Word List

die Augenbraue (the eyebrow)
das Augenrollen (the eye rolling)
die Faust (the fist)
die Fingerbewegung (the finger movement)
die Geste (the gesture)
die Grimasse (the grimace)
das Händeschütteln (the handshake)
die Handbewegung (the hand movement)
die Körperhaltung (the posture)
das Kopfnicken (the nodding)
das Kopfschütteln (the head shaking)
die Mimik (the facial expression)
das Schmunzeln (the smirk)
das Schulterzucken (the shrug)
das Stirnrunzeln (the frown)
die Unruhe (the restlessness)
das Winken (the waving)
die verschränkten Arme (the crossed arms)
das Wegschauen (the looking away)
die Zappeligkeit (the fidgetiness)

Thumbs up gesture – part of German body language vocabulary. — A thumbs-up gesture, commonly used in German body language vocabulary.

Body Language Examples in Context

German Word	German Sentence	English Translation
die Augenbraue	Er hob die Augenbraue skeptisch.	He raised his eyebrow skeptically.
das Augenrollen	Sie reagierte mit einem genervten Augenrollen.	She reacted with an annoyed eye roll.
die Faust	Er ballte wütend die Faust.	He clenched his fist angrily.
die Fingerbewegung	Mit einer Fingerbewegung rief er den Kellner.	With a finger movement, he called the waiter.
die Geste	Seine Geste zeigte seine Unsicherheit.	His gesture showed his insecurity.
die Grimasse	Sie zog eine Grimasse, um ihre Abneigung zu zeigen.	She made a grimace to show her dislike.
das Händeschütteln	Ein festes Händeschütteln hinterlässt einen guten Eindruck.	A firm handshake leaves a good impression.
die Handbewegung	Seine Handbewegung signalisierte Eile.	His hand movement signaled urgency.
die Körperhaltung	Die richtige Körperhaltung ist wichtig für ein sicheres Auftreten.	Good posture is important for confident presence.
das Kopfnicken	Mit einem Kopfnicken bestätigte sie seine Aussage.	She confirmed his statement with a nod.
das Kopfschütteln	Sein Kopfschütteln zeigte Ablehnung.	His head shaking showed disapproval.
die Mimik	Ihre Mimik verriet ihre Freude.	Her facial expression revealed her joy.
das Schmunzeln	Ein leichtes Schmunzeln erschien auf seinem Gesicht.	A slight smirk appeared on his face.
das Schulterzucken	Sein Schulterzucken zeigte seine Unsicherheit.	His shrug showed his uncertainty.
das Stirnrunzeln	Sein Stirnrunzeln deutete auf Verwirrung hin.	His frown indicated confusion.
die Unruhe	Seine Unruhe war an seinem Zappeln erkennbar.	His restlessness was noticeable in his fidgeting.
das Winken	Sie verabschiedete sich mit einem freundlichen Winken.	She said goodbye with a friendly wave.
die verschränkten Arme	Er stand mit verschränkten Armen da.	He stood there with crossed arms.
das Wegschauen	Er versuchte, das unangenehme Thema durch Wegschauen zu vermeiden.	He tried to avoid the uncomfortable topic by looking away.
die Zappeligkeit	Die Zappeligkeit des Kindes fiel sofort auf.	The child’s fidgetiness was immediately noticeable.

Conclusion

Expanding your vocabulary related to body language not only helps with your German fluency but also enhances your understanding of cultural nuances. Practice these terms regularly, and apply them in your conversations to boost your confidence and clarity in communication.

FAQ

Why should I learn German body language vocabulary?

Learning body language terms in German helps you recognize and describe nonverbal communication. Gestures, facial expressions, and posture often express emotions and intentions. Understanding these cues improves your listening, speaking, and intercultural communication skills.

Is this vocabulary useful in real conversations?

Yes. Native speakers often refer to body language in everyday speech. Phrases like Er hat nur mit den Schultern gezuckt (He just shrugged) or Sie hat weggeguckt (She looked away) are common. Knowing these words helps you describe what people do — not just what they say.

What level is this vocabulary for?

This vocabulary is ideal for learners at B1 to B2 level.

Where can I find more vocabulary practice?

Explore our German vocabulary articles and test yourself with our German vocabulary quizzes. Each topic includes lists, examples, and practice tools.

Are example sentences included?

Yes. Each word in this guide includes a full sentence in German with an English translation. These examples show how native speakers use body language terms in real conversations.

What are the most useful body language words to learn first?

Start with common gestures and reactions such as:

das Kopfnicken (the nodding)
das Kopfschütteln (the head shaking)
das Schulterzucken (the shrug)
die Mimik (the facial expression)
die Geste (the gesture)

These are often used in daily life and are easy to understand and apply.

Niko

Nikolai Beiers (Niko) is a German teacher, content creator, and founder of How To Study German. With 7+ years of experience and 5,000+ online lessons, he helps learners master German efficiently. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work & Pedagogy and a 120-hour TESOL certificate. Niko has authored 100+ German grammar and vocabulary articles and created 80+ quizzes to support learners at all levels.