Schwachsinniger
masculine
The English word 'moron' can be translated into German as Schwachsinniger or Schwachkopf.
Meaning: psychology, dated: person of mild mental subnormality (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Schwachsinniger | masculine | |
| Schwachkopf | /ˈʃvaxkɔpf/ | masculine |
In a psychological context, the term Schwachsinniger is a dated way to refer to a person of mild mental subnormality.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Schwachsinniger is composed of schwach (weak) and Sinn (sense/mind), literally referring to someone with a 'weak mind'. The word Schwachkopf is a compound of schwach (weak) and Kopf (head).
How does it change in a sentence?
Both Schwachsinniger and Schwachkopf are masculine nouns.
Did you know?
- The term Schwachkopf is often used in a playful or affectionate way between close friends, whereas Schwachsinniger almost always carries a harsher, clinical, or insulting tone.
- German has a vast number of nouns ending in -kopf to describe personality types, such as Dickkopf for a stubborn person or Hitzkopf for someone quick-tempered.
- In older German literature, calling someone schwach (weak) in the mind was often linked to moral failing or a lack of will, rather than just biological intelligence.
Examples in context
- Tom ist so ein Schwachkopf.Tom is such a moron.This sentence shows how to use Schwachkopf to describe someone.Tatoeba #5304395 by Sudajaengi, translation #5001408 by CK
- Er ist ein vollkommener Schwachkopf.He's a total moron.This sentence shows how to use Schwachkopf to emphasize that someone is a total moron.Tatoeba #2417532 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2397915 by Hybrid
- Hast du wirklich erwartet, dass er das versteht? Was für ein Dummkopf!Did you really expect him to understand that? What a moron!
- Der Trottel hat schon wieder vergessen, seine Schlüssel mitzunehmen.That idiot forgot his keys again.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are discussing a very foolish person they know.
- LauraGlaubst du wirklich, dass er das geschafft hat?Do you really believe that he managed that?
- LukasJa, obwohl er wie ein Schwachsinniger wirkt.Yes, although he seems like a moron.
- LauraDas ist in der Tat sehr überraschend.That is indeed very surprising.
- LukasMan sollte ihn niemals unterschätzen, Laura.One should never underestimate him, Laura.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “moron” translations and entries Schwachkopf, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
