der Idiot
idiot
A colloquial, strongly derogatory term for a very stupid, unreasonable, or foolish person.
EXAMPLE
Du hast schon wieder den Schlüssel vergessen? Du Idiot!
You forgot the key again? You idiot!
der Idiot
idiot
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Meanings
der Idiot
idiot
An outdated medical and legal term for a person with a congenital, very severe intellectual disability. Today, the term is considered discriminatory and dehumanizing and is no longer used.
EXAMPLE
In der Psychiatriegeschichte des 19. Jahrhunderts galt der 'Idiot' als unterste Stufe der geistigen Behinderung.
In the history of 19th-century psychiatry, the 'idiot' was considered the lowest level of intellectual disability.
Usage tips
N-declension
'Der Idiot' (the idiot) belongs to the N-declension. This means that the noun takes the ending '-en' in the accusative, dative, and genitive singular, as well as in the plural.
EXAMPLE
Ich will mit diesem Idioten nicht mehr reden.
I don't want to talk to this idiot anymore.
Strong insult
This word is a very strong and hurtful insult. It should be used with great caution in everyday life, as it is perceived as very offensive.
EXAMPLE
Er nannte seinen Kollegen im Streit einen Idioten.
During the argument, he called his colleague an idiot.
Typical use
As an insult, 'Idiot' (idiot) is often used in direct address or as an exclamation. Typical phrases are 'Du Idiot!' (You idiot!) or 'So ein Idiot!' (What an idiot!).
EXAMPLE
Er hat den Termin verpasst. So ein Idiot!
He missed the appointment. What an idiot!
Outdated meaning
The medical meaning is now completely outdated and is perceived as discriminatory. It is found only in historical texts or texts on the history of science.
EXAMPLE
In alten medizinischen Büchern wird der Begriff „Idiot“ manchmal noch verwendet.
In old medical books, the term 'Idiot' is sometimes still used.
Compare with
Idiot vs Trottel
fool / idiot
Idiot and Trottel are both derogatory colloquial terms for a stupid person. Idiot usually sounds harsher and focuses more strongly on the person’s presumed intellectual abilities; Trottel can also suggest clumsiness or awkward behavior. Trottel is therefore often more appropriate for a minor mishap.
Idiot
Du Idiot, warum hast du die wichtige Datei einfach gelöscht?
You idiot, why did you just delete the important file?
Trottel
Du Trottel, jetzt hast du schon wieder den Schlüssel im Auto liegen lassen.
You fool, now you’ve left the key in the car again.
In real life
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