01
der Lutscher
lollipop
A sweet made of hard sugar that is attached to a stick and sucked.
example
Das Kind bekam nach dem Arztbesuch einen roten Lutscher.
After the doctor's visit, the child got a red lollipop.
der Lutscher
lollipop / loser
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Lutscher' is derived from the verb 'lutschen' (to suck). The ending '-er' here denotes either the object that is sucked or—in the insulting meaning—a person.
EXAMPLE
An der Kasse im Supermarkt gibt es oft Lutscher für Kinder.
At the checkout in the supermarket, there are often lollipops for children.
Context clue
The two meanings are clearly separated by context. If people are talking about sweets, children, or fairs, it refers to the sweet. In an argument or a disparaging remark about a person, it is an insult.
EXAMPLE
Möchtest du einen Lutscher mit Erdbeergeschmack?
Would you like a strawberry-flavored lollipop?
Regional usage
In Austria, 'der Lutscher' is the most common and neutral word for this sweet on a stick. In parts of Germany, a different word is often used colloquially.
EXAMPLE
In Wien habe ich mir am Kiosk einen Lutscher gekauft.
In Vienna, I bought myself a lollipop at the kiosk.
Strong insult
In this meaning, 'Lutscher' is a strongly derogatory and vulgar insult. You should only use it if you are aware of this effect, and avoid it completely in formal situations.
EXAMPLE
Er wurde wütend und beschimpfte den anderen Fahrer als Lutscher.
He got angry and insulted the other driver by calling him a loser.
Compare with
Lutscher vs Verlierer
loser
'der Verlierer' and 'der Lutscher' can both be used derogatorily for a person who is presented as incapable or unsuccessful. The important difference is the tone. 'Verlierer' can also be neutral when someone does not win a game or competition. As an insult, however, it is already negative. 'Lutscher' is very colloquial and more strongly insulting. Also, 'Lutscher' also means a sweet; in this relation, however, the focus is on the derogatory meaning for a person.
Lutscher
Im Streit rief Paul seinen Bruder einen Lutscher, aber später entschuldigte er sich.
During the argument, Paul called his brother a loser, but later he apologized.
Verlierer
Nenn ihn nicht einen Verlierer, nur weil er die Prüfung nicht bestanden hat.
Don't call him a loser just because he didn't pass the exam.
In real life
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