Mehrzweckeier, Macker and 6-7: The German Youth Word of the Year 2026

Every year, German publisher Langenscheidt reveals a list of potential German Youth Words of the Year. This year, the list includes six or seven terms, with "6-7" being a standout choice. The term, pronounced as "six seven," became popular due to a song called "Doot Doot 67" and through basketball memes on TikTok. It has become a favorite among teens for its enigmatic and meaningless nature, which frustrates adults.

Other contenders include classic German phrases like "digga" and "Du bist gut genug" ("You are good enough"). This latter phrase gained popularity after the German group KitschKrieg's song, which encouraged teens worldwide to replace German lyrics with similar-sounding nonsense in their own languages. "Gute Käse" literally means "good cheese" but is used as a substitute for "very good" or "solid."

"Macker" can refer to a boyfriend, crush, or simply a guy. "Schere," meaning "scissors," originated in gaming as a way to admit guilt or make a confession.

The list also features English-language terms like "crashout" (to lose all hope) and "ragebait" (provocative online content). A Turkish term, "süper," meaning "super," also made it to the shortlist. Despite its popularity, "Mehrzweckeier" (meaning "multipurpose eggs") did not make the cut this year. The term, inspired by a youth anti-conscription demonstration, refers to the phrase "Merz leck Eier" (literally "Merz lick eggs," but colloquially "Merz lick balls").

A viral placard at the demonstration led to an 18-year-old's arrest for "defamation and slander against public figures," but "Mehrzweckeier" has yet to achieve the same level of success as a Youth Word of the Year contender.