der Schlappschwanz
wimp
A derogatory term for a man who lacks energy, courage, or willpower.
EXAMPLE
Lass dich von diesem Schlappschwanz nicht einschüchtern.
Don't let that wimp intimidate you.
der Schlappschwanz
wimp
der Schlappschwanz, die Schlappschwänze
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Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Schlappschwanz, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Schlappschwänze |
| genitive | des Schlappschwanzes |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Schlappschwanz | die Schlappschwänze |
| accusative | den Schlappschwanz | die Schlappschwänze |
| dative | dem Schlappschwanz | den Schlappschwänzen |
| genitive | des Schlappschwanzes | der Schlappschwänze |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Schlappschwanz' (wimp) is made up of 'schlapp' (limp) and 'Schwanz' (tail; also a vulgar term for penis). The compound is used figuratively to describe a person with little energy or assertiveness.
EXAMPLE
Für einen Schlappschwanz hält ihn inzwischen niemand mehr.
Nobody thinks of him as a wimp anymore.
Derogatory language
The word is distinctly derogatory and is mainly used as an insult in informal or emotionally charged situations. It is inappropriate in factual writing.
EXAMPLE
Nenn deinen Kollegen nicht gleich einen Schlappschwanz, nur weil er vorsichtig ist.
Don't go calling your colleague a wimp just because he's cautious.
Typical sentence patterns
'Schlappschwanz' (wimp) frequently follows 'sein' (to be), usually with 'ein' (a) or 'kein' (no / not a). When labeling or judging someone, it often follows 'als' (as), as in 'jemanden als Schlappschwanz bezeichnen' (to describe someone as a wimp).
EXAMPLE
Er ist doch kein Schlappschwanz, er wird seine Meinung schon verteidigen.
He's no wimp; he'll stand up for his opinion.
Sie bezeichnete ihn vor allen anderen als Schlappschwanz.
She called him a wimp in front of everyone else.
In real life
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