crazy
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crazy
(Colloquial) Crazy, eccentric, or over-the-top. Describes a person or an idea whose behavior or nature is perceived as strange or irrational.
Er hat die durchgeknallte Idee, mit einem Tretboot den Atlantik zu überqueren.
He has the crazy idea of crossing the Atlantic in a pedal boat.
'Durchgeknallt' (crazy) is the past participle of the verb 'durchknallen'. The image behind it is a fuse that 'durchknallt' (blows), meaning it breaks. Metaphorically, it describes that something in someone's head is no longer working properly.
Seine Reaktion war so übertrieben, er ist wohl komplett durchgeknallt.
His reaction was so exaggerated; he must have completely lost it.
This word clearly belongs to colloquial speech. It is very informal and, depending on the context, can sound derogatory or humorous. It should be avoided in formal situations.
Mein kleiner Bruder hat manchmal ziemlich durchgeknallte Einfälle.
My little brother sometimes has pretty crazy ideas.
Since 'durchgeknallt' (crazy) already describes a strong quality, it is often combined with adverbs that intensify it even further. You often hear 'total durchgeknallt' (totally crazy), 'völlig durchgeknallt' (completely crazy), or 'komplett durchgeknallt' (completely crazy).
Die Party war total durchgeknallt, aber es hat Spaß gemacht.
The party was totally crazy, but it was fun.
crazy
Both words can describe a person as unreasonable or strange. „Verrückt“ is more broadly applicable and can simply refer to unusual behavior, while „durchgeknallt“ sounds much more colloquial and often emphasizes an over-the-top manner. In more neutral everyday situations, „verrückt“ is therefore usually the better choice.
Tom ist durchgeknallt, weil er mitten in der Nacht singend und tanzend losfährt.
Tom is completely nuts because he sets off in the middle of the night singing and dancing.
Tom ist verrückt, weil er mitten in der Nacht ohne Plan losfährt.
Tom is crazy because he sets off in the middle of the night without a plan.
