Meaning
To be in an extremely energetic, excited, or intense mood.
Cultural Background
In Berlin's world-famous techno scene, 'krass drauf sein' is the standard way to describe the vibe of the dancefloor or a DJ set. It's almost a requirement for a good night out. Every year, a 'Youth Word of the Year' is chosen. While 'krass' is an older slang term, it remains a 'Dauerbrenner' (long-term hit) because of its versatility. In Austria, you might hear 'arg' instead of 'krass'. 'Arg drauf sein' carries the same meaning but sounds more local to Vienna or Graz. Swiss youth also use 'krass', but often mix it with Swiss German particles. They might say someone is 'hueren krass drauf' (using 'hueren' as an intensifier).
Use it for atmosphere
You can use it for groups too: 'Die {die|f} Stimmung war krass drauf.'
Watch the tone
If said with a frown, it means 'You are being crazy/annoying'.
Meaning
To be in an extremely energetic, excited, or intense mood.
Use it for atmosphere
You can use it for groups too: 'Die {die|f} Stimmung war krass drauf.'
Watch the tone
If said with a frown, it means 'You are being crazy/annoying'.
The 'Echt' multiplier
Adding 'echt' (really) makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Youth only
If you are over 50, using this might make you look like you're trying too hard to be young!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the slang phrase.
Wow, Lukas hat die ganze Nacht getanzt. Er ist heute echt ______ ______!
The phrase 'krass drauf' is the correct way to describe someone with extreme energy.
Which situation is MOST appropriate for using 'krass drauf sein'?
In which context would you use this phrase?
'Krass drauf sein' is slang for high-energy, informal situations.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of 'sein'.
A: 'Warum schreit der {der|m} Nachbar so?' B: 'Ich weiß nicht, er ______ heute einfach krass drauf.'
The subject is 'er' (the neighbor), so the verb 'sein' must be conjugated as 'ist'.
Match the 'drauf sein' variation to the mood.
Match: 1. Gut drauf, 2. Schlecht drauf, 3. Krass drauf
Gut = Good, Schlecht = Bad, Krass = Extreme.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Intensity Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWow, Lukas hat die ganze Nacht getanzt. Er ist heute echt ______ ______!
The phrase 'krass drauf' is the correct way to describe someone with extreme energy.
In which context would you use this phrase?
'Krass drauf sein' is slang for high-energy, informal situations.
A: 'Warum schreit der {der|m} Nachbar so?' B: 'Ich weiß nicht, er ______ heute einfach krass drauf.'
The subject is 'er' (the neighbor), so the verb 'sein' must be conjugated as 'ist'.
Match: 1. Gut drauf, 2. Schlecht drauf, 3. Krass drauf
Gut = Good, Schlecht = Bad, Krass = Extreme.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it just means 'extreme'. It can be extremely good or extremely bad depending on context.
Only if you have a very close, casual relationship. Otherwise, it's too informal.
'Gut drauf' is a 7/10 mood. 'Krass drauf' is an 11/10 mood.
Yes, it's a colloquial shortening of 'darauf'.
Yes, if you are acting very intensely or shouting, people might say you are 'krass drauf'.
Yes, it's understood everywhere, though 'krass' is particularly associated with Berlin and urban centers.
No, 'drauf sein' is only for people or the 'Stimmung' (atmosphere) created by people.
Use 'Ich bin schlecht drauf'.
In the speaking part, if you're describing a party or a casual scene, it shows good range. Don't use it in the formal writing part.
It *can* imply that in a club context, but usually, it just refers to natural high energy.
Related Phrases
gut drauf sein
similarto be in a good mood
ne {die|f} krasse Nummer
builds ona crazy thing/event
völlig am {der|m} Ende sein
contrastto be completely exhausted
abgehen wie {die|f} Schmidts Katze
synonymto go off like Schmidt's cat (to be very fast/energetic)
