rabble / mob
der Pöbel
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rabble / mob
A derogatory term for the uneducated mass of the population, viewed as primitive and uncultured. The term is often used to express contempt for the behavior or opinions of ordinary people.
Der Redner fühlte sich über den Pöbel erhaben und ignorierte die Zwischenrufe.
The speaker felt superior to the rabble and ignored the heckling.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Pöbels |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Pöbel | – |
| accusative | den Pöbel | – |
| dative | dem Pöbel | – |
| genitive | des Pöbels | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Der Pöbel' (the rabble/mob) is a very negative and insulting word for a crowd of people. It expresses contempt and is not a neutral term for 'das Volk' (the people) or 'die Leute' (people).
In seinen Memoiren bezeichnete er die Demonstranten verächtlich als „Pöbel“.
In his memoirs, he contemptuously referred to the demonstrators as 'Pöbel' (rabble).
The word 'Pöbel' (rabble/mob) is a collective noun and is always used in the singular, even when it refers to many people. There is no plural form.
Der König fürchtete, dass der Pöbel die Palasttore stürmen würde.
The king feared that the mob would storm the palace gates.
'Pöbel' (rabble/mob) is often combined with verbs that describe uncontrolled or loud behavior. Typical combinations are 'der Pöbel schreit' (the rabble shouts), 'tobt' (rages), or 'grölt' (bellows/chants loudly).
Von seinem Balkon aus sah er, wie der Pöbel auf der Straße tobte.
From his balcony, he saw the mob raging in the street.
rabble / pack
Pack and Pöbel are both derogatory terms for people. Pack is a direct colloquial insult for a specific group. Pöbel refers more to a mass or section of the population regarded as primitive and uncultured, and can emphasize the group’s public behavior.
Der Redner beschimpfte die laut protestierende Menge vor dem Rathaus als Pöbel.
The speaker called the loudly protesting crowd outside city hall rabble.
Der Wirt beschimpfte die randalierenden Gäste als Pack.
The innkeeper called the rowdy guests a rabble.
