Karen
The English term 'Karen' is translated into German as Karen.
In German, Karen is used as a loanword from English to describe the same specific social stereotype of an entitled, demanding woman.
Meaning: stereotypical woman (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The indefinite article eine Karen is used when referring to a single instance of the stereotype.
Did you know?
- While Karen is used for women, the German internet community often uses the term Kevin as the male equivalent of the stereotype.
- While used as a slang term in German, Karen remains a very common, traditional female name in Germany and other parts of Europe.
- The name Karen is actually a Danish form of 'Katherine', which connects the modern English slang to ancient Greek roots.
Examples in context
- Karen ist mir böse.Karen is angry with me.This sentence shows a way to express that Karen is angry with someone.Tatoeba #1134539 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #63473 by CN
- Karen ist nicht wütend auf mich.Karen is not angry with me.This sentence shows how to state that Karen is not angry with someone.Tatoeba #784536 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #63474 by CN
- Karen möchte mit dem Geschäftsführer sprechen.Karen would like to talk to the manager.This sentence illustrates the stereotype of Karen wanting to speak to a manager.Tatoeba #10039900 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10039702 by espamatics
- Hallo Karen, wie geht es dir?Hello Karen, how are you?
- Karen, hast du schon Pläne für das Wochenende?Karen, do you already have plans for the weekend?
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Hannah are watching a woman argue with a waiter.
- MaximilianSchau dir die Frau dort an, eine richtige Karen.Look at that woman over there, a real Karen.
- HannahJa, sie schreit den armen Kellner einfach an.Yes, she is just screaming at the poor waiter.
- MaximilianSicher will sie jetzt den Manager sprechen.I bet she wants to speak to the manager now.
- HannahTypisch Karen, sie glaubt, dass ihr alles zusteht.Typical Karen, she thinks she is entitled to everything.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Karen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
