Verlierer
/fɛɐ̯ˈliːʁɐ/
The German word for "losers" is Verlierer.
Depending on the tone you want to convey, there are other options: Unterlegene is a formal option for conveying the idea of 'losers' suggesting someone on the losing side of a competition or argument, while Versager is an informal term with a strong negative connotation implying a lack of success or failure.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Verlierer is identical in form for both the singular (loser) and the plural (losers). However, the form Verlierern is used when the plural 'losers' is the indirect object (dative case) of a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɛɐ̯ˈliːʁɐ/
Did you know?
- In German, you can describe a 'loser' as ein Pechvogel, which literally translates to 'a bad-luck bird'. This is used when someone loses due to misfortune rather than a lack of skill.
- The word Versager comes from the verb versagen, which means 'to fail' but also 'to refuse'. Therefore, a 'loser' in this sense is literally someone who has 'refused' to function or meet a requirement.
- In German, the root verb verlieren is used for both losing a physical object and losing one's way, making the concept of a 'loser' metaphorically linked to being lost.
Examples in context
- Verlierer haben immer unrecht.Losers are always wrong.This sentence shows the use of Verlierer as a general subject.Tatoeba #6139750 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5701326 by Hybrid
- Du bist der Verlierer des Spieles.You are the losers of the game.This sentence demonstrates Verlierer being used to identify a specific person as a loser of a game.Tatoeba #10053009 by wolfgangth, translation #4299804 by mecasa90
- Hör auf, dich mit Verlierern abzugeben!Stop hanging out with losers.This sentence uses the dative plural form Verlierern.Tatoeba #3466123 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3466121 by Hybrid
- Die unterlegenen Teams sollten nicht entmutigt sein.The losing teams should not be discouraged.
- Er ist ein regelrechter Versager in Sachen Organisation.He is a complete failure when it comes to organization.
- Warum spielst du immer wieder gegen diesen Verlierertypen?Why do you keep playing against that loser?
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are discussing a competitive board game.
- HannahWir haben verloren, wir sind die Verlierer.We lost, we are the losers.
- JulianDas macht nichts, es war ein lustiges Spiel.That's okay, it was a fun game.
- HannahStimmt, aber ich fühle mich wie ein Verlierer.True, but I feel like a loser.
- JulianKopf hoch, Hannah, nächstes Mal gewinnen wir.Cheer up, Hannah, next time we will win.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Verlierer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
