kobold / imp
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kobold
A small, often malicious or mischievous mythical creature from Germanic mythology that, according to legend, lives in houses or mines.
Der Sage nach versteckt ein Kobold im Keller die Socken, die in der Waschmaschine verschwinden.
According to legend, a kobold in the cellar hides the socks that disappear in the washing machine.
The context tells you whether a mythical creature or a child is meant. In fairy tales and legends, it is the mythical creature. When people speak affectionately about a lively child, it is the figurative meaning.
Die alte Legende erzählt von einem Kobold, der im Bergwerk Gold bewacht.
The old legend tells of a kobold who guards gold in the mine.
The Kobold (kobold) is a figure from Germanic and German folklore. Unlike evil monsters, kobolds are often ambivalent house or nature spirits that can either help or play tricks.
Man sagt, wenn ständig Dinge verschwinden, hat man einen Kobold im Haus.
They say that if things keep disappearing, you have a kobold in the house.
Using 'Kobold' (little imp) for a child is colloquial and affectionate. It humorously describes a child who is energetic, cheeky, and clever.
Pass auf deinen Rucksack auf, der kleine Kobold versteckt gerne Sachen.
Watch your backpack—the little imp likes to hide things.
troll
'der Troll' and 'der Kobold' are both mythical creatures from old stories and legends. However, they are imagined differently. A troll is often large, clumsy, and eerie, and tends to live in forests or mountains. A kobold is usually small and more mischievous or malicious; in stories, it often lives in a house or in mines. The words can be confused because both refer to non-real creatures and appear in fairy tales. If the figure seems large and dangerous, 'Troll' is more likely to fit. If it is small and mischievous, 'Kobold' is more likely to fit.
Der kleine Kobold versteckte nachts die Schlüssel der Familie.
The little kobold hid the family's keys at night.
In der Geschichte bewacht ein Troll die Brücke im Wald.
In the story, a troll guards the bridge in the forest.