der Tor
fool
A foolish, unwise, or silly person. Today the term is rather elevated or outdated.
EXAMPLE
Nur ein Tor würde bei diesem Sturm versuchen, den Berg zu besteigen.
Only a fool would try to climb the mountain in this storm.
der Tor
fool
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Meanings
Usage tips
Difference by article
The word 'Tor' has two meanings that are distinguished by the article. 'Der Tor' is a foolish person, while the much more common word 'das Tor' refers to a goal in sports or a large gate.
EXAMPLE
Der Tor bemerkte die Gefahr nicht.
The fool did not notice the danger.
N-declension
'Der Tor' belongs to the N-declension. This means it takes the ending '-en' in the genitive, dative, and accusative singular, as well as throughout the plural.
EXAMPLE
Er sprach mit dem Toren.
He spoke with the fool.
Elevated style
This word is outdated and today is used only in an elevated, literary, or ironic context. It is uncommon in normal usage.
EXAMPLE
In dem alten Märchen wird der Held als reiner Tor dargestellt.
In the old fairy tale, the hero is portrayed as a pure fool.
Compare with
Tor vs Dummkopf
fool
Both words refer to an unwise or foolish person. Der Tor now sounds more elevated, literary, or outdated, while der Dummkopf is a colloquial and clearly derogatory term. Use Tor in a literary context and Dummkopf when the direct insult is the focus.
Tor
Im alten Märchen warnte der König den Tor vor seiner unklugen Entscheidung.
In the old fairy tale, the king warned the fool about his unwise decision.
Dummkopf
Du Dummkopf, warum hast du den wichtigen Brief weggeworfen?
You fool, why did you throw away the important letter?
In real life
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