impostor / blender
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impostor
A person who deceives others by pretending to be able to do, know, or be more than is actually true. A 'Blender' (impostor) tries to impress through outward appearances.
Er gibt sich als Experte aus, aber in Wahrheit ist er nur ein Blender ohne Fachwissen.
He presents himself as an expert, but in truth he is just an impostor with no specialist knowledge.
Careful: In German, a 'Blender' is primarily a person who deceives others. The English word 'blender' for a kitchen appliance is sometimes used in German too, but the main meaning is the person.
Alle dachten, er wäre ein erfolgreicher Geschäftsmann, aber er war nur ein Blender.
Everyone thought he was a successful businessman, but he was just an impostor.
You can tell from the context whether the person or the kitchen appliance is meant. If it is about character and behavior, it is the person. If it is about the kitchen, cooking, or recipes, the appliance is meant.
Er entpuppte sich als Blender, der seine Fähigkeiten nur vorgetäuscht hatte.
He turned out to be an impostor who had only pretended to have those skills.
The noun 'der Blender' comes from the verb 'blenden' (to dazzle / to blind). Someone who 'blendet' (dazzles) deceives others through a bright but false appearance—just as the sun dazzles the eyes.
Lass dich von seinem teuren Auto nicht blenden, er hat hohe Schulden.
Don't let yourself be dazzled by his expensive car; he has a lot of debt.
For describing a person, 'Blender' is often used in fixed phrases. Typical ones are: 'ein Blender sein' (to be an impostor), 'sich als Blender entpuppen' (to turn out to be an impostor), or 'auf einen Blender hereinfallen' (to be taken in by an impostor).
Ich bin leider auf einen Blender hereingefallen und habe ihm Geld geliehen.
Unfortunately, I was taken in by an impostor and lent him money.
In the meaning of the kitchen appliance, 'Blender' is a direct loanword from English. It is used especially in younger language and in marketing.
Dieser neue Blender kann sogar Nüsse zerkleinern.
This new blender can even chop nuts.
actor
'der Schauspieler' and 'der Blender' can both describe a person who pretends something to others. A 'Schauspieler' in the figurative sense pretends or shows feelings that are not real. A 'Blender' mainly wants to make an impression and acts as if he can do or knows more than is really true. 'Blender' fits especially when someone wants to impress others with outward appearances. 'Schauspieler' is more general for performed behavior; 'Blender' emphasizes showing off and deceiving through impressions.
Der neue Kollege wirkt wie ein Blender, weil er viel verspricht und wenig kann.
The new colleague seems like an impostor because he promises a lot and can do very little.
Nach dem Gespräch merkte ich, dass er nur ein Schauspieler war und seine Freude gespielt hatte.
After the conversation, I realized that he was only an actor and had faked his happiness.