impostor
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impostor
A person who fraudulently pretends to be someone they are not in order to gain social or financial advantages. Hochstapler often pretend to have a higher social status, a profession, or wealth.
Der angebliche Arzt entpuppte sich als Hochstapler, der nie Medizin studiert hatte.
The supposed doctor turned out to be an impostor who had never studied medicine.
The word consists of 'hoch' (high) and 'stapeln' (to stack). Figuratively, it describes someone who “stacks” their lies and exaggerations high in order to impress and deceive others.
Er hat mit seinen Geschichten über seinen angeblichen Reichtum ganz schön hochgestapelt.
He really exaggerated with his stories about his supposed wealth.
The word family includes the verb 'hochstapeln' (to boast, to exaggerate) and the noun 'die Hochstapelei' (imposture, fraudulent pretending) for the fraudulent act itself.
Seine ganze Karriere basierte auf Hochstapelei.
His entire career was based on imposture.
A 'Hochstapler' (impostor) is often 'entlarvt' (exposed) or 'entpuppt sich als' (turns out to be) a Hochstapler. These verbs describe the moment when the fraud is uncovered.
Ein Journalist hat den falschen Professor als Hochstapler entlarvt.
A journalist exposed the fake professor as an impostor.
fraudster / scammer
Both der Betrüger and der Hochstapler deceive others in order to gain an advantage. Betrüger is the general, neutral term, whereas Hochstapler additionally involves pretending to have an invented identity, position, or qualification. Use „Betrüger“ in general, and „Hochstapler“ when this self-presentation is important.
Der Hochstapler gab sich als berühmter Arzt aus, obwohl er keine medizinische Ausbildung hatte.
The impostor claimed to be a famous doctor even though he had no medical training.
Der Betrüger brachte mehrere Menschen mit falschen Versprechen um ihr Geld.
The fraudster cheated several people out of their money with false promises.
