01
der Lümmel
lout
A colloquial, derogatory term for a naughty, cheeky, or rude boy or young man.
example
Dieser Lümmel hat schon wieder die Fensterscheibe vom Nachbarn zerbrochen.
That lout has broken the neighbor's windowpane again.
der Lümmel
lout
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Lümmel' (lout) belongs to the word family of the verb 'lümmeln'. This verb means to lounge around lazily and carelessly, either lying or sitting, which reinforces the negative meaning of the noun.
EXAMPLE
Hör auf, dich auf dem Stuhl zu lümmeln und sitz gerade!
Stop slouching in your chair and sit up straight!
Register and style
'Lümmel' (lout) is a colloquial and derogatory word. It is used to express annoyance about the rude or cheeky behavior of a boy or young man.
EXAMPLE
Was für ein Lümmel, er hat sich einfach vorgedrängelt!
What a lout—he just pushed his way to the front!
Usage
This word is used almost exclusively for male people, usually boys or teenagers. It is often used as an exclamation of annoyance, for example in the combination 'frecher Lümmel' (cheeky lout).
EXAMPLE
Na warte, du Lümmel, das wirst du bereuen!
Just you wait, you lout—you'll regret this!
Compare with
Lümmel vs Gentleman
gentleman
'Gentleman' and 'Lümmel' are clear opposites in terms of behavior. A 'Gentleman' is a man who acts politely, considerately, and properly. A 'Lümmel', by contrast, is a boy or young man who is cheeky, badly behaved, or rude. 'Gentleman' sounds positive, while 'Lümmel' is colloquial and derogatory. So the contrast is: good, respectful behavior versus bad, rude behavior.
Lümmel
Der Lümmel hat im Bus laut gelacht und keinen Platz gemacht.
The lout laughed loudly on the bus and did not make room for anyone.
Gentleman
Der Gast ist ein echter Gentleman, weil er der älteren Dame sofort hilft.
The guest is a true gentleman because he immediately helps the elderly lady.
In real life
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