rascal / sly fox
das Schlitzohr, die Schlitzohren
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rascal
An informal term for a person who achieves their goals through clever tricks and a certain amount of dishonesty. The term is often used with a mixture of criticism and admiration.
Dieses Schlitzohr hat uns die alten Stühle als wertvolle Antiquitäten verkauft.
That rascal sold us the old chairs as valuable antiques.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Schlitzohren |
| genitive | des Schlitzohres |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Schlitzohr | die Schlitzohren |
| accusative | das Schlitzohr | die Schlitzohren |
| dative | dem Schlitzohr | den Schlitzohren |
| genitive | des Schlitzohres des Schlitzohrs | der Schlitzohren |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Schlitzohr' (rascal) is made up of 'Schlitz' (slit) and 'Ohr' (ear). The literal combination explains the word's vivid imagery, which goes beyond the individual components.
Er ist ein Schlitzohr und findet immer einen Ausweg.
He's a rascal and always finds a way out.
When used as a direct form of address, 'Schlitzohr' (rascal) often appears without an article, frequently together with 'du' (you). Depending on the tone, the address can sound playful, admiring, or reproachful.
Du Schlitzohr, wie hast du es geschafft, den besten Platz zu bekommen?
You rascal, how did you manage to get the best seat?
Common combinations include 'ein echtes Schlitzohr' (a real rascal), 'ein gerissenes Schlitzohr' (a cunning rascal), and 'so ein Schlitzohr' (such a rascal). The word is usually used with an accompanying expression that conveys an evaluation.
Der neue Kollege ist ein echtes Schlitzohr und kennt für jedes Problem einen ungewöhnlichen Trick.
The new colleague is a real rascal and knows an unusual trick for every problem.
