fool / idiot
Loading your saved state.
fool / idiot
A derogatory term for a stupid, clumsy, or simple-minded person.
Sei nicht so ein Trottel und lies die Anleitung, bevor du das Gerät einschaltest.
Don't be such an idiot and read the instructions before you turn on the device.
'Der Trottel' (the fool/idiot) is a weak noun (N-declension). This means that in all cases except the nominative singular, it takes the ending '-n'. Learners often make this mistake.
Ich habe dem Trotteln den Weg erklärt.
I explained the way to the idiot.
This word is a strong insult and belongs to colloquial language. You should only use it if you are aware of its negative effect.
Er hat mich einen Trottel genannt, nur weil ich den Schlüssel vergessen habe.
He called me an idiot just because I forgot the key.
The word is often used with the verb 'sein' (to be) or to describe someone directly. A common intensified form is 'der Volltrottel' (complete idiot).
Manchmal fühle ich mich wie ein totaler Trottel.
Sometimes I feel like a total idiot.
idiot
Idiot and Trottel are both derogatory colloquial terms for a stupid person. Idiot usually sounds harsher and focuses more strongly on the person’s presumed intellectual abilities; Trottel can also suggest clumsiness or awkward behavior. Trottel is therefore often more appropriate for a minor mishap.
Du Trottel, jetzt hast du schon wieder den Schlüssel im Auto liegen lassen.
You fool, now you’ve left the key in the car again.
Du Idiot, warum hast du die wichtige Datei einfach gelöscht?
You idiot, why did you just delete the important file?
