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.
club / cudgel
An outdated term for a thick stick, cudgel, or club.
Früher drohte der Nachtwächter den Störenfrieden mit einem schweren Bengel.
In the past, the night watchman threatened troublemakers with a heavy cudgel.
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The meaning 'dicker Stock' (thick stick) is now very outdated and occurs almost only in historical or literary texts.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.
club
Knüppel and Bengel can both refer to a thick, short stick. Knüppel is the usual word today, while Bengel is outdated in this meaning and may mainly be encountered by learners in older texts. In everyday situations, you should therefore use Knüppel.
Im alten Roman stützte der Wanderer den losen Zaunpfosten mit einem dicken Bengel ab.
In the old novel, the hiker propped up the loose fence post with a thick cudgel.
Der Wanderer hob einen dicken Knüppel auf, um den losen Zaunpfosten abzustützen.
The hiker picked up a thick club to prop up the loose fence post.
