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.
little imp
A humorous or affectionate term for a lively, mischievous child.
Unser Jüngster ist ein echter kleiner Kobold, der den ganzen Tag nur Unsinn im Kopf hat.
Our youngest is a real little imp who spends the whole day getting into mischief.
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.
rascal
Both words can be used affectionately for a lively child after a prank. „Der Schelm“ directly describes the person’s likable, playful nature and sounds somewhat old-fashioned, while „der Kobold“ uses a humorous image of a small mythical creature. Choose „Kobold“ when this image is the main focus.
Nach dem harmlosen Streich nannte die Mutter ihren Sohn liebevoll einen kleinen Kobold.
After the harmless prank, the mother affectionately called her son a little imp.
Nach dem harmlosen Streich nannte die Mutter ihren Sohn liebevoll einen Schelm.
After the harmless prank, the mother affectionately called her son a rascal.
