loser
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loser
Colloquial for a person who is not successful in life or in a particular situation; a loser. The word is borrowed from English.
Er fühlt sich wie ein totaler Loser, weil er die Prüfung nicht bestanden hat.
He feels like a total loser because he didn't pass the exam.
The word 'Loser' is taken directly from English and has the same meaning. It is used especially in youth language and in informal everyday speech.
Seit er seinen Job verloren hat, nennt er sich selbst nur noch einen Loser.
Since he lost his job, he has only called himself a loser.
'Loser' is a very informal word. In formal or professional contexts, such as in a job reference, you would not use this expression.
Nenn deinen Bruder nicht immer einen Loser, das ist nicht nett.
Don't always call your brother a loser; that's not nice.
Common combinations are 'ein totaler/echter Loser sein' (to be a total/real loser) or 'sich wie ein Loser fühlen' (to feel like a loser). These intensify the negative perception of oneself or someone else.
Nur weil du das Spiel verloren hast, bist du noch lange kein totaler Loser.
Just because you lost the game doesn't mean you're a total loser.
victim / sacrifice
'das Opfer' and 'der Loser' can both be used as derogatory words for a person. In this use, 'Opfer' is an insult and means someone whom others present as weak or embarrassing. 'Loser' more often means someone who is unsuccessful or seems like a loser. Learners may confuse the words because both can be insulting. The important point is: 'Opfer' also has a very serious normal meaning for people who have been harmed, for example after an accident or crime. As insults, both words should be used carefully—or better not at all.
Nach dem verlorenen Spiel fühlte sich Max wie ein Loser.
After the lost game, Max felt like a loser.
In der Pause sagte Tom: „Nenn ihn nicht Opfer, das ist gemein.“
During the break, Tom said, "Don't call him a loser; that's mean."