German word of the day: Papierkram

Why do I need to know Papierkram?

Because this colloquial term describes a phenomenon that could well be one of the most frustrating parts of life in Germany, and is bound to draw empathetic looks from your friends if you're dealing with this precise situation. 

What does it mean?

Der Papierkram (pronounced like this) is an informal German noun that literally translates to “paper stuff” or “paper clutter", but is generally translated as "paperwork".

It's commonly used to describe the endless documents and bureaucratic forms that are party of daily life in Germany, especially when it's tedious or overwhelming. Naturally, the reference to paper is far from accidental here - the country's lethargic pace of digitalisation means you'll often be sifting through a mountain of analogue files. 

READ ALSO: How to navigate the perils of German bureaucracy

Trying to get all the evidence sent off for your Elterngeld (parental leave allowance) application? You're probably struggling under the weight of Papierkram. Sifting through a pile of receipts with a pounding headache near tax deadline day? This is among the worst forms of Papierkram of them all. 

Though white-collar employees are often hit by a Papierkram at work, you should probably avoid using this term with your boss - unless you're on especially friendly terms. That's because Papierkram not only has negative connotations, but it's also highly colloquial, so you're best served using it with friends and family. 

Use it like this:

Ich muss heute Abend noch den ganzen Papierkram für meine Steuererklärung erledigen.

I still have to take care of all the paperwork for my tax return this evening.

Nach dem Umzug hatte ich wochenlang mit Papierkram zu tun - neue Adresse, Verträge, Versicherungen...

After the move, I was dealing with paperwork for weeks - new address, contracts, insurance...