What does the youth word mean in German?

In social media, it happens that you read strange and unfamiliar words in German-language posts. In TikTok, Twitter and Co. you sometimes come across the expression “legit”. What does that mean in German?

Like so many other words online, “legit” has its roots in the English language.

“Legit”: Meaning of the word on Twitter, TikTok & Co.

The colloquial English word “Legit” translates to German as “Really“. It is short for the word “legitimate”. That means something like “rreal“, “legally“, “justified” or “legit“.

In colloquial German and youth language, “legit” is mainly used in the sense of “Really” or “real” used. So you use the word to underline in a statement that you is serious or she is authentic is. Something is also “legitimate” if it is lawful, orderly or reasonable. It can also be replaced with the German words “seriously” or “actually”.

Some examples of the use of the youth word in the German language on Twitter:

“Legit” in German: examples and meaning

You can also use the word like this:

• “I’ve only eaten legit oatmeal for 5 days.”
• “The party yesterday was legit wyld.”
• “Not having internet is legit the worst thing that can happen to me.”
• “I would have legitimately said so.”
• “I’m legit afraid to open this letter.”

The word is used to underpin that a statement is legally or morally meant as it is written there. It is often used with a positive meaning, but sometimes it can also be read as a desperate attempt to give more power to a statement.