Dummkopf
/ˈdʊmˌkɔp͡f/
The German phrase for "dumb head" is Dummkopf.
Dummkopf is an insulting term used for a person who is perceived as being stupid.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of dumm, meaning "stupid" and Kopf, meaning "head".
Which one should you use?
Vollpfosten is an informal and more forceful way to express the same idea, conveying a sense of outright stupidity.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Dummkopf is an informal insult. However, it is generally considered less aggressive or vulgar than many modern profanities. Vollpfosten is also an informal term.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Dummkopf is Dummköpfe.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdʊmˌkɔpf/
Did you know?
- The term Vollpfosten, mentioned as a modern alternative, literally translates to 'full post' and evokes the image of a heavy, unmoving wooden pole.
- If you want to escalate the insult without using vulgarity, you can call someone a Schafskopf, which translates to 'sheep head'.
- The word dumm is a cognate of the English word 'dumb', but it has evolved to refer solely to intellectual capacity rather than a physical inability to speak.
Examples in context
- Der Kollege ist echt ein Depp.That colleague is a real dumb head.
- Du bist so ein Dummkopf!You are such a dummy!
- Hör auf, so ein Dummkopf zu sein.Stop being such a fool.
- Der Typ ist ein echter Dummkopf.That guy is a real idiot.
Example conversation
Lukas accidentally broke a glass while cleaning.
- LauraWas hast du denn gemacht, Lukas?What have you done, Lukas?
- LukasEs ist mir einfach aus der Hand gerutscht.It just slipped out of my hand.
- LauraDu bist echt ein Dummkopf!You are such a dummy!
- LukasTut mir leid, ich war unvorsichtig.I'm sorry, I was careless.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Dummkopf, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
