01
der Verlierer
loser
A person, team, or party that does not win in a competition, fight, or game.
example
Der Verlierer des Finales gratulierte dem Sieger fair.
The loser of the final fairly congratulated the winner.
der Verlierer
loser
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Verlierer' (the loser) is derived directly from the verb 'verlieren' (to lose). It refers to the person who loses something, whether a game or respect in life.
EXAMPLE
Wer bei diesem Kartenspiel verliert, muss den Tisch abräumen.
Whoever loses at this card game has to clear the table.
Context: competition
In this meaning, 'Verlierer' (loser) always appears in the context of a specific competition, game, or election. The opposite is 'der Sieger' (the winner).
EXAMPLE
Am Ende des Turniers gab es einen Sieger und viele faire Verlierer.
At the end of the tournament, there was one winner and many fair losers.
Register: colloquial
This meaning is colloquial and has a strongly derogatory (negative) connotation. It is an insult or a very negative self-description.
EXAMPLE
Nenn mich nicht immer einen Verlierer, nur weil mir etwas nicht gelingt!
Don't always call me a loser just because I can't manage something!
Typical collocations
In the derogatory meaning, 'Verlierer' (loser) is often intensified with adjectives like 'totaler' (total), 'absoluter' (absolute), or 'geborener' (born).
EXAMPLE
Er bemüht sich gar nicht und benimmt sich wie ein absoluter Verlierer.
He doesn't even try and behaves like an absolute loser.
Compare with
Verlierer vs Sieger
winner
'der Sieger' and 'der Verlierer' are clear opposites. The winner wins a competition, game, fight, or election. The loser does not win and is on the other side of the result. Both words fit when there is a comparison or a competition. Important: in everyday language, 'Verlierer' can also sound insulting if you say it about a person in general.
Verlierer
Nach dem Spiel gratulierte der Verlierer dem Gewinner fair.
After the game, the loser congratulated the winner fairly.
Sieger
Im Finale war unsere Mannschaft am Ende der Sieger.
In the final, our team was ultimately the winner.
In real life
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