Querkopf
/ˈkveːɐ̯ˌkɔpf/masculine
The English phrase 'maverick' can be translated into German as Querkopf or Individualist.
Meaning: one who is unconventional or does not abide by rules (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Querkopf | /ˈkveːɐ̯ˌkɔpf/ | masculine |
| Individualist | masculine |
Both terms describe someone who is unconventional or does not abide by rules. The related adjectives individualistisch and eigenwillig describe the quality of showing independence in thoughts or actions. While individualistisch describes a specific philosophy, eigenwillig is more commonly used to describe a person's stubborn or unconventional temperament.
Which one should you use?
Querkopf is a more colloquial term that carries a slightly more stubborn or eccentric connotation than the more neutral Individualist.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Querkopf is Querköpfe.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkveːɐ̯ˌkɔpf/
Did you know?
- The word quer in Querkopf is also used in the phrase querfeldein, which means to walk across a field in a straight line rather than following the paths.
- The German language uses Kopf in many compound words to describe personality types, such as Dickkopf for someone who is particularly stubborn.
- In German, the term Querkopf can be used as a term of endearment for a child who refuses to follow instructions, rather than just an insult.
Examples in context
- Er ist ein wahrer Einzelgänger und geht seine eigenen Wege.He is a true maverick and follows his own path.
- Er ist ein echter Querkopf und denkt immer anders als alle anderen.He is a true maverick and always thinks differently from everyone else.
- Sie ist eine wahre Rebellin und stellt sich immer gegen die Normen.She is a true maverick and always rebels against norms.
- Er ist ein Querdenker und findet Lösungen, an die keiner sonst gedacht hätte.He is a maverick and comes up with solutions no one else has thought of.
- Er ist ein echter Querkopf.He is a real maverick.
- Unser Chef ist ein kreativer Querkopf.Our boss is a creative maverick.
- Ohne diesen Querkopf wäre die Firma langweilig.Without this maverick, the company would be boring.
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are discussing a new colleague.
- LauraWas hältst du von dem neuen Kollegen?What do you think of the new colleague?
- JulianEr ist ein Querkopf, aber er ist talentiert.He's a maverick, but he's talented.
- LauraDas stimmt, seine Ideen sind sehr ungewöhnlich.That's true, his ideas are very unusual.
- JulianGenau deshalb passt er so gut ins Team.That is exactly why he fits so well in the team.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “maverick” translations and entries Querkopf, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
