Meaning
To have a desire or inclination for something.
Cultural Background
The 'Null-Bock-Generation' of the 1980s used this phrase to express political and social apathy. It became a symbol of punk and alternative culture. In Austria, 'Bock haben' is just as common, but you might also hear 'G'lust haben' (from Gelüst - craving) for food-related desires. Swiss German speakers use 'Bock ha', but often prefer 'Lust ha' in slightly more formal settings than Germans would. In 'Kiezdeutsch' (multi-ethnic urban German), 'Bock' is often combined with other slang like 'Wallah' or 'Digga'.
Use 'voll' for emphasis
Instead of 'sehr', always use 'voll' or 'richtig' with Bock to sound like a native.
Watch the case!
Remember: Bock haben AUF + Akkusativ. Don't use Dativ.
Meaning
To have a desire or inclination for something.
Use 'voll' for emphasis
Instead of 'sehr', always use 'voll' or 'richtig' with Bock to sound like a native.
Watch the case!
Remember: Bock haben AUF + Akkusativ. Don't use Dativ.
The 'Null Bock' attitude
Saying 'null Bock' is a very German way to be honest about your feelings without being overly rude.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct preposition and article for the masculine noun {der|m} {Film|m}.
Ich habe total Bock ___ ___ Film.
'Bock haben' always takes 'auf' + Akkusativ. Since 'Film' is masculine, 'der' becomes 'den'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I don't feel like working' to a friend?
Wie sagt man das?
'Null Bock' is the most idiomatic slang for zero motivation among friends.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Wollen wir heute Abend in den Club? B: Nee, ich bin müde. Ich habe ________ Bock auf Tanzen.
Bock is a masculine noun, so the negation in the accusative is 'keinen'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. Null Bock, 2. Richtig Bock, 3. Bock schießen
Null Bock = no motivation; Richtig Bock = excited; Bock schießen = to make a blunder.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch habe total Bock ___ ___ Film.
'Bock haben' always takes 'auf' + Akkusativ. Since 'Film' is masculine, 'der' becomes 'den'.
Wie sagt man das?
'Null Bock' is the most idiomatic slang for zero motivation among friends.
A: Wollen wir heute Abend in den Club? B: Nee, ich bin müde. Ich habe ________ Bock auf Tanzen.
Bock is a masculine noun, so the negation in the accusative is 'keinen'.
1. Null Bock, 2. Richtig Bock, 3. Bock schießen
Null Bock = no motivation; Richtig Bock = excited; Bock schießen = to make a blunder.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's not rude, but it is very informal. Use it with friends, not your boss.
'Lust' is standard German; 'Bock' is slang. They mean the same thing.
Yes, 'Bock auf jemanden haben' can mean you want to hang out with them or, in some contexts, that you are attracted to them.
Mostly, but many adults up to age 50-60 use it in casual settings now.
Say 'Ich habe keinen Bock' or 'Ich habe gerade keine Lust'.
No, you can just say 'Ich habe Bock' if the context is clear.
It means 'zero motivation' or 'absolutely no desire'.
Yes: 'Ich hatte gestern voll Bock auf Pizza.'
Yes, it is a universal German slang term.
Yes, you can use it with an infinitive clause: 'Ich habe Bock, zu schlafen.'
Related Phrases
Lust haben auf
similarTo have a desire for
null Bock
specialized formZero motivation
bockig sein
builds onTo be stubborn
einen Bock schießen
contrastTo make a blunder
tierisch Bock haben
specialized formTo be incredibly up for something
