idiocy
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idiocy
Refers to an extremely stupid action, a nonsensical idea, or foolish behavior. The word is used in a strongly derogatory way.
Es war die reinste Idiotie, bei diesem Sturm ohne Ausrüstung in die Berge zu gehen.
It was sheer idiocy to go into the mountains without equipment in that storm.
'Die Idiotie' (idiocy) belongs to the word family of 'der Idiot' (an idiot, a person) and 'idiotisch' (idiotic, an adjective). The noun 'Idiotie' (idiocy) describes the action or quality itself.
Wer sich idiotisch verhält, begeht vielleicht eine Idiotie.
Someone who behaves idiotically may be committing an act of idiocy.
This word is not a neutral description of stupidity, but a very strong, derogatory judgment. It expresses great annoyance or contempt for an action.
Seinen Chef so zu beleidigen, war die reinste Idiotie.
Insulting his boss like that was sheer idiocy.
'Idiotie' (idiocy) is often used in the structure 'Es ist Idiotie, etwas zu tun' (It is idiocy to do something). This labels a specific action as extremely stupid.
Es ist pure Idiotie, ohne Ticket in den Zug zu steigen.
It is pure idiocy to get on the train without a ticket.
The medical meaning for an intellectual disability is completely outdated and is considered discriminatory and offensive today. Do not use the word in this context under any circumstances.
Der Begriff „Idiotie“ wird in der modernen Medizin nicht mehr verwendet, da er herabwürdigend ist.
The term 'Idiotie' (idiocy) is no longer used in modern medicine because it is degrading.
nonsense
'Unsinn' and 'Idiotie' can both describe a stupid or pointless idea, statement, or action. 'Unsinn' is broader and often less harsh. You can use it to criticize something without sounding very insulting. 'Idiotie' is much stronger and clearly derogatory. It shows anger or sharp criticism and should be used carefully. Learners may confuse the words because both refer to something stupid. If you want to stay more neutral, 'Unsinn' is safer. 'Idiotie' only fits when you find something truly extremely stupid.
Meine Nachbarin hat die neue Parkregel als reine Idiotie bezeichnet.
My neighbor described the new parking rule as pure idiocy.
Nach der Arbeit hat mein Bruder über den Plan gelacht und gesagt, das sei Unsinn.
After work, my brother laughed at the plan and said it was nonsense.