Idioten
The English phrase 'morons' is translated into German as Idioten.
Idioten is used to describe unintelligent or foolish individuals in informal contexts. You might also encounter other related terms: Vollidioten means complete idiots, and Deppen is an informal expression for people exhibiting silly or stupid behavior. If you want to describe someone as clumsy, awkward or lacking intelligence, the term Tölpel is used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Idioten is an informal insult and is not suitable for formal or professional settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the plural Idioten is Idiot. The plural form Idioten is used for both masculine and mixed-gender groups of morons.
Did you know?
- While Idioten is a common insult, calling someone a Vollpfosten literally means calling them a 'full fence post' to imply they are as dense and useless as a piece of wood.
- In German, calling someone an 'Idiot' can sometimes be used affectionately among very close friends to signal a shared joke about a silly mistake.
- The German word 'Depp' is often associated with the regional Bavarian dialect, though it is understood throughout Germany.
Examples in context
- Das ist ein Haufen von indoktrinierten Idioten.They are a bunch of indoctrinated morons.This sentence is useful for describing a bunch of indoctrinated Idioten.Tatoeba #3359918 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2927554 by corvard
- Ihr seid Idioten.You are morons.This sentence is useful for saying 'You are Idioten'.Tatoeba #1519064 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1517942 by Spamster
- Sie sind Idioten.You're morons.This sentence is useful for saying 'You're Idioten'.Tatoeba #1519065 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9483331 by CK
- Die beiden Vollidioten lachen über etwas, das überhaupt nicht lustig ist.Those two complete idiots are laughing about something that's not funny at all.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are complaining about bad drivers in traffic.
- HannahDiese Fahrer sind absolute Idioten!These drivers are absolute morons!
- JulianJa, sie können nicht einmal bremsen.Yes, they cannot even brake.
- HannahWarum sind so viele Idioten auf der Straße?Why are there so many morons on the road?
- JulianIch weiß es auch nicht, Hannah.I don't know either, Hannah.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
