der Popel
booger
Dried nasal mucus that forms inside the nose.
EXAMPLE
Das Kind hatte einen Popel an der Nasenspitze.
The child had a booger on the tip of their nose.
der Popel
booger
der Popel, die Popel
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Meanings
der Popel
nobody
Colloquial and derogatory: an insignificant, poorly regarded, or clumsy person.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Popel glaubt doch tatsächlich, er könne uns herumkommandieren.
That nobody actually thinks he can boss us around.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Popel, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Popel |
| genitive | des Popels |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Popel | die Popel |
| accusative | den Popel | die Popel |
| dative | dem Popel | den Popeln |
| genitive | des Popels | der Popel |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Typical collocations
In this meaning, „Popel“ (booger) often appears with expressions related to the nose. Common examples include „einen Popel in der Nase haben“ (to have a booger in one's nose) and „einen Popel aus der Nase holen“ (to get a booger out of one's nose).
EXAMPLE
Er hatte einen Popel in der Nase und bemerkte es nicht.
He had a booger in his nose and didn't notice it.
Derogatory use
When used to refer to a person, „Popel“ (booger / nobody) is colloquial and derogatory. The word expresses disdain or mockery and does not belong in a polite, neutral description of a person.
EXAMPLE
Der neue Popel hält sich offenbar für den wichtigsten Mann im Büro.
That new nobody apparently thinks he's the most important man in the office.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning referring to a person when „Popel“ (booger / nobody) is connected with verbs or characteristics associated with people. With a verb such as „herumkommandieren“ (to boss people around) or „sich wichtigmachen“ (to act important), the word refers to a person, not nasal mucus.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Popel macht sich in jeder Besprechung wichtig.
That nobody acts all important in every meeting.
In real life
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