Dummkopf
/ˈdʊmˌkɔp͡f/
The German word for goofball is Dummkopf.
A goofball is a foolish or silly person.
Meaning: a foolish or silly person (noun)
Which one should you use?
While the English term 'goofball' is often used affectionately, Dummkopf can be perceived as more insulting or harsh depending on the tone used by the speaker.
How does it change in a sentence?
Dummkopf is a masculine noun, which means it takes masculine articles such as der. The plural form of Dummkopf is Dummköpfe.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdʊmˌkɔpf/
Did you know?
- German has a specific legal concept called Beleidigung which means 'insult'. Depending on the context and the person, calling a stranger a Dummkopf can technically be a punishable offense in Germany.
- If you want to call someone a 'goofball' in a much more modern, slangy way, you might use the word 'Vollpfosten', which literally translates to 'full post'.
- To call someone a 'clown' or 'buffoon' in a similar spirit, Germans often use the word 'Hampelmann', which refers to a wooden 'automaton' or 'jumping jack'.
Examples in context
- Er ist ein Dummkopf.He is a goofball.
- Schau, was für ein Spaßvogel er ist.Look at what a goofball he is.
- Er benimmt sich wie ein Tölpel.He is acting like a goofball.
- Sie macht ständig Klamauk.She is constantly acting like a goofball.
- Sei kein Dummkopf.Don't be a goofball.
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are playing a board game.
- FelixIch habe die falsche Karte gespielt!I played the wrong card!
- JuliaDu bist so ein Dummkopf, Felix.You are such a goofball, Felix.
- FelixDas war ein Versehen!That was a mistake!
- JuliaJetzt gewinne ich das Spiel.Now I win the game.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Dummkopf, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
