idiot
common gender
The English word "idiot" can be translated into Danish as idiot. Wiktionary also lists nar and fjols.
Meaning: person of low general intelligence (noun)
Ways to say it
| Danish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| idiot | common gender | |
| nar | common gender | |
| fjols | /fjɔls/ | neuter |
The term is used to describe a person of low general intelligence.
Which one should you use?
While idiot implies a lack of intelligence, nar is often used to describe someone acting foolishly or being a prankster. Fjols is a milder, less aggressive way to call someone a fool compared to idiot. Additionally, the word Klovn literally means clown and is used to convey the idea of someone being a fool or acting foolishly.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because idiot is a common-gender noun, you use the indefinite article en before it, as in en idiot. The plural form is idioter, and the definite genitive form (the idiot's) is idiotens.
Did you know?
- The term idiot comes from the Ancient Greek idiṓtēs. In its original context, it did not mean someone lacked intelligence but rather someone who lived a private life and did not participate in public politics.
- The word fjols is often used in the phrase et kærligt fjols, meaning 'a lovable fool'. This transforms the insult into a term of endearment for someone who is eccentric or clumsy.
- Danish has several words for fools, but idiot is one of the few that has remained almost identical in spelling and meaning across many European languages due to its Greek root.
Examples in context
- Du er en idiot.You're an idiot.Tatoeba #654734 by danepo, translation #461945 by tamsanh
- Han er en idiot.He is an idiot.Tatoeba #13099821 by danepo, translation #4987741 by Zurich899
- Sikke en idiot du er!What an idiot you are!Tatoeba #4567833 by danepo, translation #4567831 by AlanF_US
- Jeg synes, det var lidt tåbeligt af dig at gøre det.I think it was a bit foolish of you to do that.
- Han opfører sig altid som en total dumrian!He always acts like a complete dummy!
- Du er virkelig en nar, men jeg elsker dig alligevel.You're such a fool, but I love you anyway.
- Stop med at være en klovn og vær seriøs for en gangs skyld!Stop clowning around and be serious for once!
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas forgot to bring his keys to the apartment.
- EmmaHvor er din nøgle, din idiot?Where is your key, you idiot?
- LucasJeg glemte den på bordet.I left it on the table.
- EmmaDu er virkelig en idiot, Lucas.You really are an idiot, Lucas.
- LucasDet ved jeg godt, undskyld.I know that, sorry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “idiot” translations and entries idiot, nar, fjols, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fjols, idiot, nar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
