01
der Barbar
barbarian
A person who is regarded as uncivilized, crude, cruel, or uncultured.
example
Nur ein Barbar zerstört mutwillig Kunstwerke.
Only a barbarian deliberately destroys works of art.
der Barbar
barbarian
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Common mistake
'Der Barbar' (the barbarian) belongs to the N-declension. This means it takes the ending '-en' in all cases except the nominative singular.
EXAMPLE
Die Geschichte handelt von einem Kampf gegen einen Barbaren.
The story is about a fight against a barbarian.
Word family
The noun 'der Barbar' (the barbarian) is closely related to the adjective 'barbarisch' (barbaric), which means 'uncivilized,' 'cruel,' or 'crude.'
EXAMPLE
Die Zerstörung der alten Statuen war ein barbarischer Akt.
The destruction of the ancient statues was a barbaric act.
Register and style
In modern usage, 'Barbar' (barbarian) is a very strong, derogatory term for a person. It is not a neutral description, but a harsh insult.
EXAMPLE
Er nannte die lauten Fußballfans Barbaren.
He called the loud football fans barbarians.
Context clue
You can recognize the historical meaning from the context. If it is about antiquity, the Roman Empire, or ancient peoples, the neutral, historical meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Für die Griechen war jeder ein Barbar, der kein Griechisch sprach.
For the Greeks, anyone who did not speak Greek was a barbarian.
Compare with
Barbar vs Tier
animal
'das Tier' and 'der Barbar' can both be used derogatorily for a person who behaves in a crude, brutal, or inconsiderate way. 'Tier' especially emphasizes wild or brutal behavior, as if someone is not acting human. 'Barbar' sounds more strongly like uncivilized, cruel, or uncultured. The word fits better when someone grossly disregards rules, people, or culture. 'Tier' is more direct in everyday language and can be very insulting; 'Barbar' often sounds somewhat more figurative or dramatic.
Barbar
Wer absichtlich alte Kunstwerke zerstört, handelt wie ein Barbar.
Anyone who deliberately destroys old works of art is acting like a barbarian.
Tier
Nach dem Angriff nannten einige Leute den Täter ein Tier.
After the attack, some people called the perpetrator an animal.
In real life
Loading video examples...