savage / wild child
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savage
A person who lives outside civilization and is often viewed as uncultured or primitive. The term can be derogatory.
In alten Abenteuerromanen treffen die Helden oft auf vermeintliche Wilde im Dschungel.
In old adventure novels, the heroes often encounter supposed savages in the jungle.
The word 'Wilder' (savage / wild person) is a substantivized adjective derived from the word 'wild' (wild). It describes a person who has the quality of being 'wild' (wild).
Er lebt wie ein Wilder in den Bergen.
He lives like a savage in the mountains.
Since 'Wilder' (savage / wild person) is a substantivized adjective, it is also declined like an adjective. The form changes depending on the article and case.
Die Geschichte handelt von einem Wilden.
The story is about a savage.
In the meaning of an uncivilized person, the term is often considered outdated and derogatory today. It is mainly found in older texts or historical contexts.
In dem alten Abenteuerfilm werden die Ureinwohner als Wilde dargestellt.
In the old adventure film, the Indigenous people are portrayed as savages.
When a person is called 'Wilder' (wild child / wild person), it often refers to an impetuous child. The phrase 'ein kleiner Wilder' (a little wild child) is often used affectionately or jokingly.
Dein Sohn ist ja ein richtiger kleiner Wilder!
Your son really is a proper little wild child!
barbarian
'der Barbar' and 'der Wilder' can both sound derogatory because they portray people as uncultured or uncivilized. 'Barbar' can mean a crude or cruel person and also has a historical use from antiquity. 'Wilder' more often means someone who is seen as living outside civilization, or colloquially a person, especially a child, who behaves in a very uncontrolled way. The words can be confused because both contain old and derogatory ideas of 'civilization'. Today, you should be especially careful with them when referring to real groups of people.
Nach dem Fußballtraining rannte der Junge durch den Flur wie ein Wilder.
After soccer practice, the boy ran through the hallway like a wild child.
Im Geschichtsbuch wurde erklärt, warum die Römer fremde Völker Barbaren nannten.
The history book explained why the Romans called foreign peoples barbarians.