01
der Depp
idiot
(Colloquial, derogatory) A very stupid, clumsy, or simple-minded person; an idiot.
example
Ich habe wie ein Depp den Schlüssel von innen stecken lassen.
Like an idiot, I left the key in the lock on the inside.
der Depp
idiot
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Meanings
Usage tips
Style and register
This word is strongly colloquial and derogatory. It is an insult and should only be used with great caution or in very informal, joking contexts.
EXAMPLE
Nenn mich nicht einen Deppen, nur weil ich einen Fehler gemacht habe!
Don't call me an idiot just because I made a mistake!
Self-critical use
The word is not only used as an insult for others, but also often self-ironically or self-critically when talking about one's own stupid mistakes.
EXAMPLE
Ich Depp habe schon wieder meinen Regenschirm im Zug liegen lassen.
Like an idiot, I left my umbrella on the train again.
Regional use
'Der Depp' (the idiot) is especially common in southern Germany, for example Bavaria, and in Austria. In other regions, it is understood, but may be used actively less often.
EXAMPLE
Pass auf, du Depp, du hast fast mein Glas umgestoßen!
Watch out, you idiot, you almost knocked over my glass!
Compare with
Depp vs Idiot
idiot
'der Idiot' and 'der Depp' are colloquial insults for someone who acts stupidly, clumsily, or unreasonably. 'Idiot' is very direct and often quite harsh. 'Depp' is also derogatory, but in many everyday situations it sounds a bit more casual or regional, especially in southern Germany. Still, 'Depp' can also be hurtful. The words can be confused because they work similarly in many sentences. As a practical guide: 'Idiot' sounds stronger and more aggressive, while 'Depp' is more likely to fit annoyance about a stupid or clumsy action.
Depp
Beim Training fühlte sich Tom wie ein Depp, weil er den Ball ins eigene Tor schoss.
During training, Tom felt like an idiot because he kicked the ball into his own goal.
Idiot
Nach der Nachricht nannte Max den Betrüger einen Idioten.
After the news, Max called the fraudster an idiot.
In real life
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