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
'der Betrüger' and 'der Hochstapler' both have to do with intentional deception. 'Betrüger' is the more general term: the person deceives others in order to gain an advantage, often money. 'Hochstapler' is more specific. A 'Hochstapler' pretends to be someone else or to be more important, for example a doctor, a rich businessman, or an expert. The words can be confused because a 'Hochstapler' is also a 'Betrüger'. But not every 'Betrüger' is a 'Hochstapler'. When a false identity or a falsely high status is important, 'Hochstapler' fits.
Der Hochstapler gab sich im Krankenhaus als Arzt aus, obwohl er nie Medizin studiert hatte.
The impostor posed as a doctor in the hospital, even though he had never studied medicine.
Der Betrüger rief bei älteren Leuten an und wollte ihre Bankdaten haben.
The scammer called elderly people and tried to get their bank details.