Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Arsch | /arʃ/ | masculine |
| Trottel | /ˈtʁɔtəl/ | masculine |
| Hanswurst | [ˈhansˌvʊʁst] (narrow) [hansˈvʊʁst] (narrow) |
masculine |
| Wichser | /ˈvɪksɐ/ | masculine |
| Saftsack | masculine | |
| Sackarsch | masculine |
The terms in this category are used to describe an unlikable person. Depending on the specific word used, the nuance can range from describing someone as merely foolish or clumsy to describing them as intentionally malicious or extremely irritating.
Which one should you use?
While Arsch is a vulgar insult for a jerk, Trottel is a milder term often used to describe someone who is clumsy or foolish rather than malicious. The term Wichser is a much more aggressive and vulgar way to call someone a jerk compared to Arsch or Saftsack. Saftsack refers to a person who is considered extremely irritating or obnoxious.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Trottel is a mild term. Saftsack is a colloquial, somewhat old-fashioned insult that is less offensive than Wichser but still carries a derogatory tone. Wichser is a much more aggressive and vulgar way to call someone a jerk. Arsch is also a vulgar insult.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Arsch is often extended to Arschloch to create a more common and stronger insult for a jerk.
How do you pronounce it?
/arʃ/
Did you know?
- In the figurative sense, Arsch can switch from masculine to neuter gender. This is likely a linguistic backformation from the word Arschloch.
- The term Hanswurst combines the name 'Hans' with the word for 'sausage' to describe a jerk. It originally referred to a stocky, clown-like character in traditional German street theatre.
- The phrase Saftsack is considered old-fashioned compared to more modern insults like Wichser. It combines 'juice' and 'sack' to describe an obnoxious person.
Examples in context
- Du bist ein Wichser.You're a jerk.This sentence demonstrates how to use Wichser to call someone a jerk.Tatoeba #12540939 by Naina, translation #490792 by FeuDRenais
- Tom ist ein arroganter Arsch.Tom is an arrogant jerk.This sentence shows how to describe someone as an arrogant Arsch.Tatoeba #8879814 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5747768 by CM
- Entschuldige! Ich war ein Arsch.Sorry, I was a jerk.This sentence illustrates using Arsch to apologize for one's own behavior.Tatoeba #12086532 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5852825 by CK
- Du bist ein Arschloch!You're an asshole!
- Er ist doch ein Spinner!He's such a weirdo!
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are talking about a bad date.
- LauraEr war ein totaler Arsch.He was a total jerk.
- LukasWar er wirklich so unhöflich zu dir?Was he really that rude to you?
- LauraJa, Lukas, er war ein echter Arsch.Yes, Lukas, he was a real jerk.
- LukasDann war es gut, dass das Date vorbei ist.Then it's a good thing the date is over.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jerk” translations and entries Arsch, Trottel, Hanswurst, Wichser, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Arsch, Hanswurst, Trottel, Wichser, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
