joker
der Spaßvogel, die Spaßvögel
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joker
An informal term for a person who enjoys joking and making other people laugh.
Unser neuer Kollege ist ein echter Spaßvogel und sorgt ständig für gute Stimmung.
Our new colleague is a real joker and constantly keeps everyone in a good mood.
joker
An often ironic term for someone who makes an inappropriate joke or deliberately behaves foolishly.
Na, du Spaßvogel, wer soll jetzt den ganzen Saustall aufräumen?
Well, you joker, who's supposed to clean up this whole mess now?
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Spaßvögel |
| genitive | des Spaßvogels |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Spaßvogel | die Spaßvögel |
| accusative | den Spaßvogel | die Spaßvögel |
| dative | dem Spaßvogel | den Spaßvögeln |
| genitive | des Spaßvogels | der Spaßvögel |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Spaßvogel' (joker) is made up of 'Spaß' (fun) and 'Vogel' (bird). In compounds like this, 'Vogel' (bird) can humorously refer to a person, which makes the word humorous rather than literal.
Er ist im Büro als Spaßvogel bekannt und bringt alle zum Lachen.
He is known as a joker at the office and makes everyone laugh.
'Spaßvogel' (joker) is mainly used in everyday speech and usually sounds humorous or playful. The word is therefore rather unusual in formal texts.
Beim Familienfest spielte mein Onkel wieder den Spaßvogel.
At the family gathering, my uncle played the joker again.
The positive meaning is often used in phrases such as 'ein echter Spaßvogel sein' (to be a real joker), 'als Spaßvogel gelten' (to be regarded as a joker), and 'alle mit seinen Späßen unterhalten' (to entertain everyone with his jokes).
Unsere Gastgeberin ist ein echter Spaßvogel und unterhält die ganze Gruppe.
Our hostess is a real joker and entertains the whole group.
When used as a direct form of address, especially with 'du' (you) or 'na' (well), 'Spaßvogel' (joker) can be meant ironically. An annoyed tone or an inappropriate joke then shows that the term is not genuine praise.
Na, du Spaßvogel, das war ja ein toller Zeitpunkt für einen Witz!
Well, you joker, that was certainly a great time for a joke!
