What does it mean word for word?
The adjective ungezogen is composed of the prefix un- (un-) and the verb ziehen (to pull, draw or lead). Literally, it means one who has not been 'drawn up' or 'led' correctly, suggesting a lack of proper upbringing.
Which one should you use?
While ungezogen suggests a deeper lack of discipline, you might use frech to describe someone who is being 'cheeky' or 'naughty' in a way that is more about being impudent or sassy. Additionally, böser Junge is another way to say 'naughty boy' but is used in informal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the phrase with a definite article in the nominative case, such as 'the naughty boy', the adjective ending changes from er to e, resulting in der ungezogene Junge. If you wish to refer to a naughty girl, you must change the adjective ending and the noun to ungezogenes Mädchen.
Did you know?
- In very strict or old-fashioned contexts, calling a child ungezogen is a critique of the parents' failure to 'draw' the child's character correctly.
- The word Junge is actually a relative of the English word 'young'.
- While Junge is the standard term today, it was actually a regional dialectal form that only became the dominant word for 'boy' across all of Germany during the 20th century.
Examples in context
- Er ist ein ungezogener Junge.He is a naughty boy.This sentence is useful for using the phrase ungezogener Junge to describe a third-person male.Tatoeba #1391371 by al_ex_an_der, translation #370632 by saeb
- Ich war ein ungezogener Junge.I was a naughty boy.This sentence is useful for using the phrase ungezogener Junge to describe oneself in the past.Tatoeba #10082154 by wolfgangth, translation #255966 by CM
- Du bist wirklich ein ungezogener Junge.You really are a naughty boy.This sentence is useful for using the phrase ungezogener Junge to emphasize a quality in a second-person male.Tatoeba #12824337 by Waldelfe, translation #12342044 by CK
- Ich muss mit Ihnen über Ihren unartigen Jungen sprechen.I need to talk to you about your naughty boy.
- Der schelmische Junge hat heute schon wieder Streiche gespielt.The naughty boy has been playing tricks again today.
- Der freche Bengel hat schon wieder den Kuchen gestohlen.The naughty boy stole the cake again.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia is scolding Felix for playing with the mud.
- JuliaWas hast du mit dem Matsch gemacht, du ungezogener Junge?What did you do with the mud, you naughty boy?
- FelixIch wollte nur ein Schloss bauen!I just wanted to build a castle!
- JuliaJetzt ist deine ganze Kleidung schmutzig.Now all your clothes are dirty.
- FelixTut mir leid, Julia.I am sorry, Julia.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Junge, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
