loser / dud
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loser
A person who is seen as unsuccessful or who repeatedly fails to meet expectations. The term is strongly derogatory.
Nachdem er die Prüfung zum dritten Mal nicht bestanden hatte, fühlte er sich wie ein kompletter Versager.
After he had failed the exam for the third time, he felt like a complete loser.
dud / misfire
In technology, a device, projectile, or mechanism that does not work as intended; a malfunction.
Beim Feuerwerk gab es einen Versager; eine der Raketen zündete nicht.
There was a dud in the fireworks; one of the rockets didn't ignite.
The noun 'der Versager' (loser/dud) is derived directly from the verb 'versagen' (to fail or not work). Someone who fails is called a 'Versager' (loser).
Er hat bei der wichtigsten Aufgabe leider versagt.
Unfortunately, he failed at the most important task.
When the word describes a person, it is very strongly negative and derogatory. It is an insult and should be avoided in normal conversation with or about other people.
Niemand möchte als Versager gelten.
No one wants to be considered a loser.
You can easily tell from context whether a person or a technical device is meant. If people and their performance are being discussed, it refers to a person. If technology, machines, or weapons are being discussed, it refers to a malfunction.
Er fühlte sich als Versager, weil er seinen Job verloren hatte.
He felt like a loser because he had lost his job.
For people, 'Versager' (loser) is often intensified with adjectives like 'komplett' (complete) or 'total' (total). A very common phrase is also 'sich wie ein Versager fühlen' (to feel like a loser).
Nach dem gescheiterten Projekt fühlte er sich wie ein totaler Versager.
After the failed project, he felt like a total loser.
bottle
Flasche and Versager can both be used as insults for an unsuccessful person. Flasche focuses more on the person’s poor performance or clumsiness in a particular situation. Versager is more derogatory and judges the person more comprehensively as someone who repeatedly fails to meet expectations.
Nach vielen enttäuschenden Spielen beschimpft der Trainer ihn als Versager.
After many disappointing games, the coach calls him a loser.
Nach seinem groben Fehler schimpft der Trainer ihn eine Flasche.
After his serious mistake, the coach calls him a klutz.
