self-appointed
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self-appointed
Attributing a title, role, or authority to oneself without it being recognized or granted by others. It often has a derogatory or ironic meaning.
Der selbsternannte Experte hatte von dem Thema in Wirklichkeit keine Ahnung.
The self-appointed expert actually had no idea about the topic.
The word is made up of 'selbst' (self) and 'ernannt' (appointed). 'Ernannt' is the past participle of 'ernennen' (to appoint). So it literally means that someone has given themselves a role or title.
Die Kinder spielten im Garten und wählten einen selbsternannten König.
The children played in the garden and chose a self-appointed king.
This adjective almost always has a negative or ironic connotation. It expresses that the person does not really possess the attributed authority or competence and is not recognized by others.
Hüte dich vor den Ratschlägen dieses selbsternannten Finanzgenies.
Beware of the advice of this self-appointed financial genius.
'Selbsternannt' (self-appointed) is often combined with nouns that describe authority or expertise, such as 'Experte' (expert), 'Anführer' (leader), 'Kritiker' (critic), or 'Retter' (savior).
Der selbsternannte Anführer der Gruppe hatte keinen Plan.
The self-appointed leader of the group had no plan.
wannabe
Möchtegern is derogatory and says that a person lacks the skills or qualities needed for the desired role. Selbsternannt only means that someone has given themselves the role or title; it does not necessarily imply a lack of ability.
Der selbsternannte Experte trägt diesen Titel, obwohl ihn niemand dazu bestimmt hat.
The self-appointed expert uses this title even though no one appointed him to it.
Der Möchtegern-Experte gibt Ratschläge, obwohl ihm grundlegende Kenntnisse fehlen.
The wannabe expert gives advice even though he lacks basic knowledge.
