lunatic
die Wahnsinnige, die Wahnsinnigen
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lunatic
A person who is seriously mentally ill or considered to have lost their mind. The term can be derogatory and is now generally avoided when referring to a mental illness.
Der Wahnsinnige wurde damals in einer geschlossenen Anstalt behandelt.
The madman was treated in a secure psychiatric hospital at the time.
crazy person
Colloquially, a person who behaves extremely irrationally, recklessly, or unusually.
Dieser Wahnsinnige ist bei Rot über die Kreuzung gefahren.
That madman drove through the intersection even though the light was red.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Wahnsinnigen |
| genitive | der Wahnsinnigen |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Wahnsinnige | die Wahnsinnigen |
| accusative | die Wahnsinnige | die Wahnsinnigen |
| dative | der Wahnsinnigen | den Wahnsinnigen |
| genitive | der Wahnsinnigen | der Wahnsinnigen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Der Wahnsinnige' (the lunatic) is formed from 'Wahnsinn' (madness) and the suffix '-ig' and, as a nominalized adjective, refers to a person. The capital letter at the beginning shows that the adjective is being used as a noun here.
Im Roman wird der Wahnsinnige als geheimnisvolle Figur dargestellt.
In the novel, the madman is portrayed as a mysterious character.
This meaning is especially found in older texts, historical accounts, or literary depictions. In connection with treatment, psychiatric hospitals, or mental illnesses, the term is highly derogatory and stigmatizing.
In einer Chronik von 1850 ist von einem Wahnsinnigen die Rede, der im Turm eingesperrt war.
A chronicle from 1850 mentions a madman who was locked up in the tower.
In its colloquial meaning, 'der Wahnsinnige' (the crazy person) often refers to a specific action or conspicuous behavior. Depending on the tone, the term may be meant jokingly, admiringly, or insultingly.
Der Wahnsinnige sprang tatsächlich von der niedrigen Brücke ins eiskalte Wasser.
The madman actually jumped from the low bridge into the freezing water.
