01
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
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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Outdated meaning
The medical meaning is now completely outdated and is perceived as discriminatory.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 Arsch
ass / asshole
'der Arsch' and 'der Idiot' can both be used to insult a person. 'Idiot' mainly says that someone is acting very stupidly or unreasonably. 'Arsch' is more vulgar and suggests more that someone is mean, unfair, or unpleasant. Sometimes both words can fit the same person, but the focus is different: 'Idiot' emphasizes stupidity, while 'Arsch' emphasizes rude or bad behavior.
Idiot
Ich war ein Idiot und habe den Schlüssel im Zug liegen lassen.
I was an idiot and left the key on the train.
Arsch
Er hat seine Kollegin vor allen ausgelacht; was für ein Arsch.
He laughed at his colleague in front of everyone; what an asshole.
In real life
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