self-appointed
Loading your saved state.
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.
so-called
'sogenannt' and 'selbsternannt' can both sound skeptical or negative, especially with titles and roles. 'sogenannt' means: this is what someone or something is called, but the speaker may not fully believe it. 'selbsternannt' is more specific: someone gives themselves a title or role without others having officially given it to them. The words can be confused because both can express doubt. Remember: 'sogenannt' casts doubt on the label; 'selbsternannt' emphasizes that the person gave themselves the role.
In der Nachbarschaft gibt Frau Lange als selbsternannte Verkehrsexpertin ständig Ratschläge.
In the neighborhood, Mrs. Lange, as a self-appointed traffic expert, is constantly giving advice.
Ich lese den sogenannten Bericht, aber viele Fakten fehlen.
I am reading the so-called report, but many facts are missing.