rascal
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rascal
A person who is inclined to pranks and jokes in a likable and playful way; a rogue. The expression is often affectionate and slightly old-fashioned.
Mit einem Augenzwinkern gab er zu, den Kuchen heimlich gegessen zu haben – ein echter Schelm!
With a wink, he admitted that he had secretly eaten the cake — a real rascal!
The word 'Schelm' (rascal) is slightly old-fashioned and belongs more to written language or an elevated, often playful style of expression. It is rarely used in normal everyday speech.
In dem alten Roman wird der Held als liebenswerter Schelm beschrieben.
In the old novel, the hero is described as a lovable rascal.
Although a 'Schelm' (rascal) plays pranks, the word is almost always meant positively or affectionately. It describes a person whose humor and playfulness are perceived as likable.
„Wer hat das letzte Stück Schokolade gegessen?“, fragte sie und blickte ihren Sohn an. „Du kleiner Schelm!“
'Who ate the last piece of chocolate?' she asked, looking at her son. 'You little rascal!'
The adjective 'schelmisch' (mischievous) is very often used to describe a smile, a look, or a wink. This often shows a person's intention to make a little joke.
Er sah mich mit einem schelmischen Lächeln an und ich wusste sofort, dass er etwas vorhatte.
He looked at me with a mischievous smile, and I knew immediately that he was up to something.
villain / rascal
Schurke and Schelm can both be used jokingly for a likable, mischievous boy or man. Schelm emphasizes a harmless, playful prank and sounds slightly old-fashioned. In this affectionate use, Schurke sounds deliberately more serious, as if the person were a little villain.
Du kleiner Schelm, sagte sie lächelnd, nachdem der Junge ihre Schlüssel versteckt hatte.
You little rascal, she said with a smile after the boy had hidden her keys.
Du kleiner Schurke, rief sie gespielt streng, nachdem der Junge ihre Schlüssel versteckt hatte.
You little rascal, she called in mock sternness after the boy had hidden her keys.
