Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| ungezogen | |
| frech | /fʁɛç/ |
ungezogen is used to describe bad behavior or a lack of discipline, typically in children. To describe someone who is being especially naughty, you can use the informal phrase Frech wie Oskar, which means "cheeky like Oskar".
What does it mean word for word?
The word ungezogen is formed from the prefix un- (not) and the past participle of ziehen (to pull, draw or raise), literally meaning "not well-raised".
Which one should you use?
ungezogen focuses on a lack of discipline or general bad behavior. In contrast, frech is used when someone is being cheeky, sassy or impudent, often implying a certain level of boldness.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, ungezogen must take various endings depending on the gender, case and number of the noun it modifies, such as ein ungezogener Junge (a naughty boy).
Did you know?
- The German word frech shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'freak', both originally describing something fierce or wild.
- Because frech describes a boldness of spirit, it is sometimes used to describe a 'cheeky' or 'bold' wine that has a strong, surprising flavor.
- While 'naughty' can sometimes be used flirtatiously in English, using ungezogen or frech in this way is far less common and can be easily misunderstood as a genuine insult.
Examples in context
- Hör auf, ungezogen zu sein!Stop being naughty.This sentence is useful for telling someone to stop being ungezogen.Tatoeba #11502878 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11205365 by sundown
- Er ist ein ungezogener Junge.He is a naughty boy.This sentence shows how to use ungezogen as an adjective modifying a noun.Tatoeba #1391371 by al_ex_an_der, translation #370632 by saeb
- Tom ist ungezogen, nicht wahr?Tom is naughty, isn't he?This sentence demonstrates the use of ungezogen in a question.Tatoeba #8891448 by wolfgangth, translation #3417082 by CK
- Die Kinder waren heute ein wenig ungezogenThe children were a bit naughty today
- Er ist heute außergewöhnlich frechHe is exceptionally naughty today
- Du warst gestern aber böse!You were quite naughty yesterday!
- Mein kleiner Bruder war frech wie Oskar!My little brother was as naughty as can be!
- Der kleine Max ist ein kleiner LümmelLittle Max is a little rascal
- Der Bub ist aber a g'scheiter LausbubThat boy is a pretty naughty rascal
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah is scolding Maximilian because he is misbehaving.
- HannahMaximilian, sei bitte nicht so ungezogen.Maximilian, please don't be so naughty.
- MaximilianIch bin gar nicht ungezogen!I am not being naughty at all!
- HannahDu warst sehr ungezogen mit dem Hund.You were very naughty with the dog.
- MaximilianEs tut mir leid, Hannah.I am sorry, Hannah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “naughty” translations and entries ungezogen, frech, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries frech, ungezogen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
