idiotic / feeble-minded
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idiotic / nonsensical
Colloquial and strongly derogatory for something that is extremely stupid, nonsensical, or absurd. It is used as an insult or for harsh criticism of an idea or action.
Sein Vorschlag, ohne Plan durch die Wüste zu fahren, war einfach nur schwachsinnig.
His suggestion to drive through the desert without a plan was simply idiotic.
The word is made up of 'schwach' (weak) and 'Sinn' (sense/mind). So it literally describes a 'weak sense' or a 'weak mind.' This origin helps explain its strongly negative meaning.
Diese Idee ist doch schwachsinnig, sie kann gar nicht funktionieren.
This idea is idiotic; it can't possibly work.
This word is extremely derogatory and offensive. It is used as a strong insult for ideas or actions and should only be used with great caution, as it can be very hurtful.
Ich finde es schwachsinnig, so viel Geld für ein altes Auto auszugeben.
I think it's idiotic to spend so much money on an old car.
In its colloquial, insulting use, 'schwachsinnig' (idiotic/nonsensical) is usually combined with abstract nouns such as 'eine Idee' (an idea), 'ein Plan' (a plan), 'ein Vorschlag' (a suggestion), or 'eine Aktion' (an action).
Das war ein absolut schwachsinniger Plan von Anfang an.
That was an absolutely idiotic plan from the very beginning.
The use of the word as a medical diagnosis for an intellectual disability is highly outdated and is now considered discriminatory. In modern language, this term is no longer used and is found only in historical texts.
In alten Dokumenten wird die heute als diskriminierend geltende Bezeichnung „schwachsinnig“ manchmal noch gefunden.
In old documents, the term 'schwachsinnig' (feeble-minded), which is now considered discriminatory, is sometimes still found.
stupid / unfortunate
'dumm' and 'schwachsinnig' can both express that something is not smart or does not make sense. However, 'dumm' is much more general and often less strong. You can use it to describe a person, an action, or even an annoying situation. 'schwachsinnig' is clearly harsher and very derogatory. It fits better when you are criticizing an idea, rule, or action as completely absurd. You should avoid using 'schwachsinnig' for people because it sounds insulting.
Diese Regel ist schwachsinnig, weil sie niemandem hilft.
This rule is idiotic because it doesn't help anyone.
Es war dumm von mir, den Schlüssel zu Hause zu lassen.
It was stupid of me to leave the key at home.