der Pinsel
brush
A tool with bristles or hairs that is used to apply paint, varnish, or other liquids to a surface.
EXAMPLE
Ich brauche einen breiteren Pinsel, um die Wand schneller zu streichen.
I need a wider brush to paint the wall faster.
der Pinsel
brush
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Meanings
der Pinsel
idiot
A colloquial, derogatory term for a clumsy, stupid, or simple-minded person.
EXAMPLE
Du Pinsel, jetzt hast du das ganze Wasser verschüttet!
You idiot, now you've spilled all the water!
Usage tips
Context clue
You can tell from the context whether the tool or a person is meant. If it is about painting, art, or crafts, the tool is meant. If a person is being addressed directly, often with 'du' (you), it is the insult.
EXAMPLE
Für die feinen Linien brauchst du einen sehr dünnen Pinsel.
For the fine lines, you need a very thin brush.
Register: colloquial
The use of 'Pinsel' (idiot) as an insult is purely colloquial and derogatory. In formal or polite conversations, you should definitely avoid this word.
EXAMPLE
Sein Freund nannte ihn aus Spaß einen Pinsel, als er das Tor nicht traf.
His friend jokingly called him an idiot when he missed the goal.
Typical collocations
Common verbs used with the tool 'Pinsel' (brush) are 'einen Pinsel auswaschen' (to wash out a brush), 'den Pinsel in Farbe tauchen' (to dip the brush in paint), and 'mit dem Pinsel auftragen' (to apply with a brush).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Streichen musst du die Pinsel sofort gründlich auswaschen.
After painting, you must wash out the brushes thoroughly right away.
Compare with
Pinsel vs Bürste
brush
Pinsel and Bürste are tools with bristles. A Pinsel is usually used to apply paint, varnish, or another liquid, while a Bürste is more often used for cleaning, arranging, or smoothing. The purpose of the tool determines which term is appropriate.
Pinsel
Mara trägt mit dem Pinsel frische Farbe auf die Holztür auf.
Mara uses the brush to apply fresh paint to the wooden door.
Bürste
Mara entfernt mit der Bürste den groben Schmutz von der Holztür.
Mara uses the brush to remove the heavy dirt from the wooden door.
In real life
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