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
Idiot and Depp are both colloquial, derogatory terms for a very stupid or clumsy person. Idiot is common throughout the German-speaking world and usually sounds harsher; Depp is especially common in southern Germany and Austria and can sound somewhat more everyday there, depending on the situation. For a strong insult that is understood throughout the German-speaking world, Idiot is generally more suitable.
Depp
Du Depp, warum hast du die wichtige Datei einfach gelöscht?
You idiot, why did you just delete the important file?
Idiot
Du Idiot, warum hast du die wichtige Datei einfach gelöscht?
You idiot, why did you just delete the important file?
In real life
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