brush
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brush
A tool with bristles or hairs that is used to apply paint, varnish, or other liquids to a surface.
Ich brauche einen breiteren Pinsel, um die Wand schneller zu streichen.
I need a wider brush to paint the wall faster.
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.
Für die feinen Linien brauchst du einen sehr dünnen Pinsel.
For the fine lines, you need a very thin brush.
The use of 'Pinsel' (idiot) as an insult is purely colloquial and derogatory. In formal or polite conversations, you should definitely avoid this word.
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.
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).
Nach dem Streichen musst du die Pinsel sofort gründlich auswaschen.
After painting, you must wash out the brushes thoroughly right away.
fool / idiot
'der Trottel' and 'der Pinsel' can both be used derogatorily for a clumsy or stupid person. 'Trottel' is more direct and generally understood. 'Pinsel' sounds colloquial and often somewhat mocking; it is less neutral and not common in every situation. Also important: 'der Pinsel' normally means a tool for painting, a brush. As a term for a person, it is only understood from context. For clear criticism of a stupid action, 'Trottel' usually sounds more natural; for casual mockery, 'Pinsel' can fit.
Lass den Pinsel nicht wieder an den Computer, sonst löscht er noch die Datei.
Don't let that idiot near the computer again, or he'll end up deleting the file.
Beim Umzug habe ich die falsche Kiste weggebracht und stand wie ein Trottel da.
During the move, I took away the wrong box and ended up standing there like an idiot.