Schadenfreude is a word
That many may have never heard.
The German language has its perks,
And it comes with many quirks.
You see, this term just can’t be found
In English dictionaries 'round;
There truly isn’t a translation
For such a really strange sensation.
Schadenfreude is what you feel,
A guilty joy that seems unreal:
The laughter you just can’t contain
When someone else is in some pain.
Or if they slip, or if they fail,
You try to hide it - no avail.
It brings you such a guilty pleasure,
A secret joy, a hidden treasure.
It’s not just someone that you hate,
Could be your sister or your mate.
Someone stumbles, and you laugh,
Having fun on their behalf.
Is it good? Of course it’s not.
Do I feel it? Yes, a lot.
Am I wicked? Naaaaah, am I?
I wouldn’t laugh if they would die!
But people failing is hilarious,
And their ways are quite various!
I chuckle, giggle, just a bit,
And my heart does a little skit.
For me, a bit Schadenfreude’s fine,
As long as no one breaks their spine.
And even though they may get hurt,
I love the feeling. Love the word.
So every time you feel delight
At someone tripping in your sight,
Remember, there's a German word
For laughing at someone getting hurt.
Dec 25, 2025
Dec 25, 2025 at 4:09 AM UTC
Schadenfreude is a word
That many may have never heard.
The German language has its perks,
And it comes with many quirks.
You see, this term just can’t be found
In English dictionaries 'round;
There truly isn’t a translation
For such a really strange sensation.
Schadenfreude is what you feel,
A guilty joy that seems unreal:
The laughter you just can’t contain
When someone else is in some pain.
Or if they slip, or if they fail,
You try to hide it - no avail.
It brings you such a guilty pleasure,
A secret joy, a hidden treasure.
It’s not just someone that you hate,
Could be your sister or your mate.
Someone stumbles, and you laugh,
Having fun on their behalf.
Is it good? Of course it’s not.
Do I feel it? Yes, a lot.
Am I wicked? Naaaaah, am I?
I wouldn’t laugh if they would die!
But people failing is hilarious,
And their ways are quite various!
I chuckle, giggle, just a bit,
And my heart does a little skit.
For me, a bit Schadenfreude’s fine,
As long as no one breaks their spine.
And even though they may get hurt,
I love the feeling. Love the word.
So every time you feel delight
At someone tripping in your sight,
Remember, there's a German word
For laughing at someone getting hurt.