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.
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.
victim / sacrifice
'das Opfer' and 'der Versager' can both be used as insults for a person. 'Opfer' tends to sound as if someone is weak, helpless, or ridiculous. 'Versager' is more strongly connected with failure: someone has not met expectations or repeatedly cannot manage something. The words can be confused because both are harsh and derogatory. 'Versager' fits more precisely when the topic is performance or success. As an insult, 'Opfer' is very colloquial and can sound especially hurtful.
Nach der Prüfung nannte er sich selbst einen Versager, obwohl er nur einen schlechten Tag hatte.
After the exam, he called himself a loser, even though he had just had a bad day.
Wir fanden es unfair, dass sie den neuen Kollegen als Opfer bezeichnet haben.
We thought it was unfair that they called the new colleague a loser.