01
der Spinner
crackpot
A colloquial, derogatory term for a person who is seen as crazy, eccentric, or not to be taken seriously.
example
Hör nicht auf ihn, das ist doch ein totaler Spinner!
Don't listen to him, he's a total crackpot!
der Spinner
crackpot / spinner
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Derived from the verb
All meanings of 'der Spinner' are derived from the verb 'spinnen' (to spin; colloquially, to be crazy). This can mean spinning wool, the rotation of a fishing lure, or the figurative meaning 'to be crazy'.
EXAMPLE
Er spinnt doch, wenn er das wirklich glaubt!
He must be crazy if he really believes that!
Context clues
You can only tell which meaning is intended from the context. If it's about fishing, the lure is meant. If it's about crafts, the person is meant. In most other cases, it is the derogatory term for a person.
EXAMPLE
Er kaufte neue Spinner für seinen nächsten Angelausflug.
He bought new spinners for his next fishing trip.
Register: colloquial
In the meaning 'crazy person', 'Spinner' (crackpot) is a colloquial insult. It is strongly derogatory and should be avoided in formal or polite conversations.
EXAMPLE
Nenn ihn nicht immer einen Spinner, das ist beleidigend.
Don't keep calling him a crackpot; that's insulting.
Context: fishing
This meaning is technical language among anglers. Outside this hobby, the word is hardly understood as referring to a fishing lure.
EXAMPLE
Für Hechte funktionieren oft große, auffällige Spinner am besten.
For pike, large, eye-catching spinners often work best.
Context: crafts
The original meaning of a person who spins wool is rare today. You usually find it in historical contexts or when traditional crafts are being discussed.
EXAMPLE
Die alte Frau war eine erfahrene Spinnerin und kannte sich mit allen Wollsorten aus.
The old woman was an experienced spinner and knew all about every type of wool.
Compare with
Spinner vs Vogel
bird
'der Vogel' and 'der Spinner' can both colloquially refer to a person who seems strange or is not taken seriously. 'Ein komischer Vogel' (an odd bird) often sounds mocking, but sometimes still relatively mild. 'Ein Spinner' (a crackpot) is more clearly derogatory and more strongly says that you consider the person or their ideas crazy or nonsensical. Both words should be used carefully because they can sound unfriendly. Also, 'Vogel' normally means an animal; only in figurative use does it refer to a person.
Spinner
Nenn ihn nicht gleich einen Spinner, nur weil seine Idee ungewöhnlich ist.
Don't immediately call him a crackpot just because his idea is unusual.
Vogel
Der neue Nachbar ist ein komischer Vogel, aber eigentlich sehr freundlich.
The new neighbor is an odd bird, but actually very friendly.
In real life
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