rascal / brat
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rascal / brat
A colloquial, often slightly derogatory, but sometimes also affectionate term for a naughty, cheeky boy.
Der kleine Bengel hat schon wieder die Klingel vom Nachbarn gedrückt und ist weggerannt.
The little rascal rang the neighbor's doorbell again and ran away.
The word 'Bengel' (rascal/brat) is colloquial. Depending on the situation and tone of voice, it can sound slightly derogatory for a cheeky boy, but it can also be meant affectionately and jokingly.
Na, du kleiner Bengel, hast du wieder nur Unsinn im Kopf?
Well, you little rascal, are you up to mischief again?
The meaning 'dicker Stock' (thick stick) is now very outdated and occurs almost only in historical or literary texts. In modern usage, 'Bengel' almost always refers to a boy.
In dem alten Roman verteidigte sich der Held mit einem schweren Bengel.
In the old novel, the hero defended himself with a heavy cudgel.
When 'Bengel' describes a boy, it is often combined with adjectives such as 'klein' (little), 'frech' (cheeky), or 'ungezogen' (naughty). Sometimes it is also used as an exclamation.
Dieser freche Bengel hat mir einfach die Zunge rausgestreckt.
That cheeky rascal just stuck his tongue out at me.
boy
'der Junge' and 'der Bengel' can both refer to a male child or boy. 'der Junge' is neutral and describes only age and gender. 'der Bengel' is colloquial and says more about the behavior: the boy is cheeky, naughty, or up to mischief. Sometimes 'Bengel' can also be meant affectionately, but it is still not completely neutral. Learners may confuse the words because both can be used for the same person. The difference is mainly in tone: 'Junge' describes, while 'Bengel' evaluates.
Der Bengel versteckt in der Pause die Tasche seines Freundes.
The rascal hides his friend's bag during the break.
Im Sommer half der Junge meinem Vater oft im Garten.
In the summer, the boy often helped my father in the garden.