der Tollpatsch
klutz
A clumsy person who frequently has mishaps or moves and behaves awkwardly.
EXAMPLE
Der Tollpatsch verschüttete beim Abendessen schon wieder sein Getränk.
The klutz spilled his drink yet again at dinner.
der Tollpatsch
klutz
der Tollpatsch, die Tollpatsche
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Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Tollpatsch, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Tollpatsche |
| genitive | des Tollpatschs |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Tollpatsch | die Tollpatsche |
| accusative | den Tollpatsch | die Tollpatsche |
| dative | dem Tollpatsch | den Tollpatschen |
| genitive | des Tollpatschs des Tollpatsches | der Tollpatsche |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Typical collocations
Common expressions include 'ein echter Tollpatsch' (a real klutz) and 'sich wie ein Tollpatsch bewegen' (to move like a klutz). The word often appears in situations where someone drops something or does something awkwardly.
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein echter Tollpatsch und stößt ständig gegen die Tür.
He's a real klutz and keeps bumping into the door.
Der Tollpatsch ließ beim Tragen alle Teller fallen.
The klutz dropped all the plates he was carrying.
Tone and effect
'Tollpatsch' (klutz) usually describes a person in a slightly mocking or humorous tone. Depending on the situation, however, the word can also be affectionate.
EXAMPLE
Komm, du kleiner Tollpatsch, ich helfe dir mit dem Karton.
Come on, you little klutz, I'll help you with the box.
Alle lachten, als der Tollpatsch beim Tanzen über seine eigenen Füße stolperte.
Everyone laughed when the klutz tripped over his own feet while dancing.
Describing a person
The word 'Tollpatsch' (klutz) is normally used directly to describe someone who is being clumsy at that moment or is known for their clumsiness. It is often used after a particular blunder or mishap.
EXAMPLE
Nach diesem Missgeschick hielt sich Martin selbst für einen Tollpatsch.
After this mishap, Martin thought of himself as a klutz.
Der Tollpatsch hatte schon wieder den falschen Knopf gedrückt.
The klutz had pressed the wrong button yet again.
In real life
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