scum
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scum
A strongly derogatory term for people who are seen as morally corrupt, worthless, or contemptible.
Der Richter nannte die Täter den „Abschaum der Gesellschaft“.
The judge called the perpetrators the 'scum of society'.
The word consists of 'ab' (off/away) and 'Schaum' (foam). It literally refers to the foam that is skimmed off a liquid because it is considered impure. This idea of worthlessness was transferred to people.
Sie schöpfte den gräulichen Abschaum von der Suppe.
She skimmed the grayish scum off the soup.
The meaning of the word is immediately clear from context. If people are talking about cooking, soups, or jam, it refers to foam. If they are talking about people, it is a severe insult.
Für solche Verbrechen gibt es keine Entschuldigung, das ist der reine Abschaum.
There is no excuse for such crimes; that is pure scum.
As a term for people, 'Abschaum' (scum) is one of the strongest and most hurtful insults in German. It expresses deep contempt and is perceived as very aggressive.
Er beschimpfte die Einbrecher als „Abschaum“.
He insulted the burglars by calling them 'scum'.
In a cooking context, 'Abschaum' (scum) is often combined with the verb 'abschöpfen' (to skim off). You skim the scum off a liquid in order to clarify it.
Die Köchin schöpfte den Abschaum sorgfältig mit einer Kelle ab.
The cook carefully skimmed off the scum with a ladle.
rabble / pack
'das Pack' and 'der Abschaum' are both very strong derogatory words for people. You use them when you despise a group or individuals. 'das Pack' sounds more colloquial and is often directed at a group that is seen as bad, dangerous, or antisocial. 'der Abschaum' is even more strongly moralizing: it says that someone is completely contemptible. Both words are insulting and very harsh in normal conversation. You should be able to understand them, but use them very carefully.
Er nennt die Betrüger Abschaum, weil sie alte Menschen ausgenutzt haben.
He calls the fraudsters scum because they took advantage of elderly people.
Nach dem Einbruch schimpfte der Nachbar wütend über das Pack.
After the break-in, the neighbor angrily complained about the rabble.