der Witzbold
joker
A playful or often ironic term for someone who likes making jokes or thinks they are especially funny.
EXAMPLE
Na, du Witzbold, das war wirklich keine gute Idee!
Well, you joker, that really wasn't a good idea!
der Witzbold
joker
der Witzbold, die Witzbolde
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Witzbold, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Witzbolde |
| genitive | des Witzbolds |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Witzbold | die Witzbolde |
| accusative | den Witzbold | die Witzbolde |
| dative | dem Witzbold | den Witzbolden |
| genitive | des Witzbolds des Witzboldes | der Witzbolde |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Informal tone
'Witzbold' (joker) is mainly used in informal spoken language. The word can sound affectionately teasing or distinctly ironic; the tone of voice has a strong influence on its effect.
EXAMPLE
Irgendein Witzbold hat mein Fahrrad auf das Garagendach gestellt.
Some joker put my bike on the garage roof.
Direct address
'Witzbold' (joker) is frequently used when addressing someone directly, often together with 'du' (you) and a brief reaction to a funny or unhelpful remark.
EXAMPLE
Du Witzbold, glaubst du wirklich, dass der Schrank durch dieses kleine Fenster passt?
You joker, do you really think the wardrobe will fit through this little window?
Typical collocations
Common patterns are 'sich für einen Witzbold halten' (to think of oneself as a joker) and 'den Witzbold spielen' (to play the joker). These often describe someone who makes a point of showing how funny they think they are.
EXAMPLE
Er hält sich für einen großen Witzbold, aber niemand lacht über seine Sprüche.
He thinks he's a real joker, but nobody laughs at his jokes.
In real life
Loading video examples...