rag / scoundrel
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rag
An old, torn, or worn-out piece of fabric that is often used for cleaning or rough work; a cleaning rag.
Gib mir bitte einen alten Lumpen, ich muss das verschüttete Öl aufwischen.
Please give me an old rag; I need to wipe up the spilled oil.
The different meanings of 'Lumpen' (rag) derive from the basic idea of something worthless. An old scrap of fabric is a 'Lumpen' (rag), and a person without honor was formerly referred to derogatorily as a 'Lump' (scoundrel).
Er benutzte einen alten Lumpen, um sein Fahrrad zu putzen.
He used an old rag to clean his bicycle.
The idiom 'sich nicht lumpen lassen' (to spare no expense) is reflexive and has a positive meaning that is almost the opposite of the word 'Lump' (scoundrel). It means that someone is very generous and does not skimp on money or effort.
Bei der Feier hat sie sich nicht lumpen lassen und für alle bezahlt.
At the celebration, she spared no expense and paid for everyone.
Calling a person a 'Lump' (scoundrel) is very outdated today and is used only rarely. It often sounds like something from an old film or book and is strongly derogatory.
„Dieser Lump!“, rief der alte Mann wütend.
'That scoundrel!' the old man shouted angrily.
When 'Lumpen' (rags) describes torn clothing, the plural form is almost always used. The phrase is often 'in Lumpen gekleidet sein' (to be dressed in rags).
Die Figur im Theaterstück war arm und nur in Lumpen gekleidet.
The character in the play was poor and dressed only in rags.
rag / license / wimp
'Lappen' and 'Lumpen' can both mean a piece of cloth used for cleaning or rough work. In this sense, they can be very similar. 'Lappen' is the normal word for a cleaning cloth or wiping cloth. 'Lumpen' often emphasizes that the fabric is old, torn, or worn out. That is why 'Lumpen' sounds a bit stronger and less neutral. Learners can easily confuse the words because they sound similar and overlap when talking about old cleaning cloths.
Für die Arbeit im Keller nimmt Paul einen alten Lumpen aus der Kiste.
For the work in the basement, Paul takes an old rag from the box.
Nach dem Kochen wischt Tom den Tisch mit einem feuchten Lappen ab.
After cooking, Tom wipes the table with a damp cloth.