der Kannibale
cannibal
A person who eats human flesh.
EXAMPLE
Der Kannibale wurde wegen seiner grausamen Verbrechen verurteilt.
The cannibal was convicted of his cruel crimes.
der Kannibale
cannibal
der Kannibale, die Kannibalen
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
der Kannibale
cannibal
A person who fights, exploits, or destroys others ruthlessly. This meaning is used figuratively.
EXAMPLE
In der Geschäftswelt galt der Konzern als Kannibale, der kleinere Konkurrenten ohne Rücksicht verdrängte.
In the business world, the corporation was seen as a cannibal that pushed smaller competitors out of the market without any regard for them.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Kannibale, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Kannibalen |
| genitive | des Kannibalen |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Kannibale | die Kannibalen |
| accusative | den Kannibalen | die Kannibalen |
| dative | dem Kannibalen | den Kannibalen |
| genitive | des Kannibalen | der Kannibalen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Typical collocations
A typical phrase is 'jemanden als Kannibalen bezeichnen' (to call someone a cannibal). This reports an attribution; whether it is actually true remains open.
EXAMPLE
In dem Bericht bezeichnet der Reisende einen Bewohner der Insel als Kannibalen.
In the report, the traveler calls one of the island's inhabitants a cannibal.
Context clue
Words such as 'Wettbewerber' (competitor), 'Markt' (market), or 'Karriere' (career) often point to the figurative meaning. 'Kannibale' can also refer to a company.
EXAMPLE
Die Zeitung beschrieb das Unternehmen als Kannibalen, weil es einen Wettbewerber nach dem anderen vom Markt drängte.
The newspaper described the company as a cannibal because it pushed one competitor after another out of the market.
Strong evaluation
The figurative use is strongly derogatory and sounds dramatic or accusatory. Calling someone this is a sharp attack; in factual conversations, it can be insulting.
EXAMPLE
Im Streit nannte sie ihren Geschäftspartner einen Kannibalen, der für seinen Erfolg jede Freundschaft opfere.
During the argument, she called her business partner a cannibal who would sacrifice every friendship for his success.
In real life
Loading video examples...