Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| wahnhaft | [ˈvaːnhaft] (narrow) | |
| einer Wahnvorstellung anhängend | ||
| Wahn- | compound, noun |
The term is used to describe someone suffering from or characterized by delusions. You can use the prefix Wahn- to form compound nouns related to delusions, such as Wahnvorstellung (delusional idea or perception).
What does it mean word for word?
The adjective wahnhaft is derived from the noun Wahn, which means delusion or madness.
Which one should you use?
While wahnhaft is the clinical adjective for 'delusional', the noun Wahn refers to the state of delusion itself. Additionally, einer Wahnvorstellung anhängend is a phrase used to describe the condition.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term wahnhaft is primarily used in a medical or psychological context to describe clinical symptoms. A formal way to describe someone who is trapped or engulfed in delusional thoughts is Wahnbefangen. In informal situations, you might use Verrückt to mean crazy or mad or the expression Durchgeknallt, which is similar to 'loony' in English.
Did you know?
- While verrückt is used for 'crazy', its literal meaning is 'shifted' or 'moved out of place', suggesting the mind has physically slid from its proper position.
- If you call a situation wahnsinnig, you might actually be complimenting it as 'insanely great' in certain modern German slang contexts.
- The term Wahnvorstellung combines Wahn with Vorstellung, which can mean both a 'mental image' and a 'theater performance'.
Examples in context
- Tom hat wahnhafte Störungen.Tom's delusional.This sentence uses wahnhaft to describe a person's condition.Tatoeba #6619342 by Felixjp, translation #2107484 by CK
- Seine wahnbefangenen Gedanken verhinderten eine rationale Entscheidungsfindung.His delusional thoughts prevented rational decision-making.
- Er ist total durchgeknallt und glaubt, er könne fliegen!He's completely delusional and believes he can fly!
- Er zeigt ein wahnhaftes Verhalten.He is showing delusional behavior.
- Die Patientin leidet unter wahnhaften Ideen.The patient suffers from delusional ideas.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A doctor is discussing a patient's symptoms with a colleague.
- SarahIst sein Zustand wirklich so schlimm?Is his condition really that bad?
- MaximilianJa, er ist momentan wahnhaft.Yes, he is currently delusional.
- SarahBraucht er sofort eine starke Medikation?Does he need strong medication immediately?
- MaximilianIch denke, das ist notwendig.I think that is necessary.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “delusional” translations and entries wahnhaft, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Wahnvorstellung, wahnhaft, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
