wannabe
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wannabe
(Derogatory) Describes a person or thing that would like to be something (e.g., an artist, intellectual, exclusive) but does not have the necessary abilities or qualities for it and often seems pretentious.
Er ist nur ein Möchtegern-Künstler, der große Reden schwingt, aber nie etwas fertigstellt.
He's just a wannabe artist who talks big but never finishes anything.
The word 'möchtegern' (wannabe) comes directly from the wish 'ich möchte gern ... sein' (I would like to be ...). So it describes someone who would like to be something but is not.
Er wäre gern ein berühmter Schauspieler, aber er ist nur ein Möchtegern.
He would like to be a famous actor, but he's just a wannabe.
'Möchtegern' (wannabe) is almost always used as a kind of prefix before a noun, often with a hyphen (e.g., 'Möchtegern-Star' (wannabe star)). It is not declined and normally does not stand alone at the end of a sentence.
Die Band besteht aus ein paar Möchtegern-Rockstars.
The band consists of a few wannabe rock stars.
This word has a very negative and mocking connotation. It is an insult that suggests a person is only pretending that they can do or are something.
Nenn ihn nicht einen Dichter, er ist nur ein Möchtegern.
Don't call him a poet; he's just a wannabe.
self-appointed
Möchtegern is derogatory and says that a person lacks the skills or qualities needed for the desired role. Selbsternannt only means that someone has given themselves the role or title; it does not necessarily imply a lack of ability.
Der Möchtegern-Experte gibt Ratschläge, obwohl ihm grundlegende Kenntnisse fehlen.
The wannabe expert gives advice even though he lacks basic knowledge.
Der selbsternannte Experte trägt diesen Titel, obwohl ihn niemand dazu bestimmt hat.
The self-appointed expert uses this title even though no one appointed him to it.
