der Dackel
dachshund
A dog breed with a very long body, short legs, and long ears, also known as Teckel or Dachshund.
EXAMPLE
Unser Nachbar geht jeden Morgen mit seinem Dackel spazieren.
Our neighbor takes his dachshund for a walk every morning.
der Dackel
dachshund
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Meanings
der Dackel
idiot
A colloquial, derogatory term for a person who is seen as stupid, clumsy, or submissive.
EXAMPLE
Schau dir an, wie dieser Dackel eingeparkt hat!
Look at how that idiot parked!
Usage tips
Word family
'Dackel' is a short form of 'Dachshund' (dachshund). This name comes from 'Dachs' (badger) and 'Hund' (dog), because this breed was originally bred to hunt badgers in their burrows.
EXAMPLE
Der Dackel ist eine anerkannte deutsche Hunderasse.
The dachshund is a recognized German dog breed.
Cultural symbol
The dachshund is often considered a typically German pet and is deeply rooted in the culture, for example as a 'Wackeldackel' (nodding dachshund) on the rear shelf of cars.
EXAMPLE
Für viele ist der Dackel ein Symbol deutscher Gemütlichkeit.
For many people, the dachshund is a symbol of German coziness.
Colloquial insult
When 'Dackel' is used for a person, it is always a colloquial and derogatory insult. So it should be used very carefully.
EXAMPLE
Er nannte seinen Kollegen einen ahnungslosen Dackel.
He called his colleague a clueless idiot.
Context clue
Whether the animal or an insult is meant can only be recognized from the context. If people are talking about a person, it is negative. If they are talking about an animal, it is neutral.
EXAMPLE
Was will dieser Dackel denn hier?
What does that idiot want here?
Compare with
Dackel vs Trottel
fool / idiot
„der Trottel“ and „der Dackel“ can be used colloquially to disparage a person. „Trottel“ mainly refers to stupidity or clumsiness, while „Dackel“ is more figurative and can additionally suggest submissiveness. „Trottel“ is a better choice for a general insult; „Dackel“ conveys the distinctive submissive effect.
Dackel
Er ist ein Dackel, weil er dem Chef trotz seiner Kritik sofort zustimmte.
He's a lapdog because he immediately agreed with the boss despite the criticism.
Trottel
Er ist ein Trottel, weil er die Kiste beim Tragen fallen ließ.
He's a fool because he dropped the crate while carrying it.
In real life
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