know-it-all
Loading your saved state.
know-it-all
A person who believes they know everything better than others and often expresses this without being asked and in a lecturing way. The term has a negative connotation.
Niemand mag mit ihm diskutieren, weil er so ein unerträglicher Besserwisser ist.
No one likes discussing things with him because he is such an unbearable know-it-all.
The word is made up of the words 'besser' (better) and 'wissen' (to know). So it literally describes a person who (believes that they) 'knows things better.'
Er muss immer das letzte Wort haben, er ist ein echter Besserwisser.
He always has to have the last word; he is a real know-it-all.
'Besserwisser' (know-it-all) is always meant negatively and disparagingly. It is a criticism or a mild insult and is never used as a compliment.
Sei doch nicht immer so ein Besserwisser und lass die anderen auch mal reden!
Don't always be such a know-it-all, and let the others talk for once!
To describe a person's behavior, you use the adjective 'besserwisserisch' (know-it-all / smart-alecky). It describes a lecturing and arrogant manner.
Seine besserwisserische Art macht ihn bei seinen Kollegen nicht sehr beliebt.
His know-it-all manner doesn't make him very popular with his colleagues.
know-it-all / senior teacher
Both terms are derogatory descriptions of someone who lectures others without being asked. Oberlehrer places more emphasis on a condescending, pedantic tone toward others; Besserwisser focuses more on the claim to always know more and be right.
Benimm dich nicht wie ein Besserwisser und behaupte nicht ständig, dass nur du recht hast.
Don’t act like a know-it-all and keep claiming that you’re the only one who’s right.
Benimm dich nicht wie ein Oberlehrer und korrigiere nicht jeden kleinen Fehler von oben herab.
Don’t act like a know-it-all and condescendingly correct every little mistake.
