The German people are known for many things: fantastic beer, dangerously fast roads, and absurdly long, over-specific words. If you have a feeling that you can't quite describe or find yourself in a situation that leaves you lost for words, odds are there's a word in German that describes it perfectly! Here are fourteen of die besten Wörter in German that you won't find in English.

1. Kummerspeck

Literally "sorrow fat." Refers to the weight you gain when you eat food to cope with your feelings.

2. Handschuhschneeballwerfer

Literally "gloved snowball-thrower." Refers to a person who criticizes others from a safe distance and has no intention of doing anything to help. I guess the closest word in English would have to be "a**hole."

3. Erklärungsnot

Describes the awkward state of needing to explain yourself when someone catches you in a situation that isn't what it looks like.

4. Mauerbauertraurigkeit

This is the inexplicable state of wanting to push people away from you, even those whom you usual hold close.

5. Weltschmertz

Literally "world pain." The vague depression one feels about the state of the world.

6. Wanderlust

The strong desire to get out and see the world. Use this word to justify your gap year backpacking through Europe to your parents.

7. Wunderkind

A precocious kid who shows extreme talent at a young age.

8. Kaffeeklatsch

Gossip you share when you meet your friend for coffee.

9. Fremdschämen

The cringing awkwardness one feels on the behalf of another person who is completely oblivious to his or her inappropriate behavior. (Also, that feeling you have whenever you watch "The Office.")

10. Treppenwitz

Literally, "staircase joke." It's when you come up with the best comeback or witty remark but way after the fact.

11. Vergangenheitsbewältigung

The struggle one has attempting to come to terms with past tragedies.

12. Sitzfleisch

Literally "sitting meat." It refers to a person who doesn't mind sitting through unendurably boring tasks.

13. Backpfeifengesischt

Someone who just deserves a slap in the face.

14. Drachenfutter

Literally "dragon-feed." A gift you buy for your significant other to try to soften the blow when you're about to tell her something that will really piss her off.