Schuft
[ʃʊft]
The English word scoundrel is translated into German as Schuft.
A scoundrel is a person without honour or virtue.
Meaning: a person without honour or virtue (noun)
Which one should you use?
Gauner is an informal term for a cunning or deceitful person.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While the word is grammatically standard, using Schuft to insult someone feels somewhat old-fashioned or theatrical compared to modern slang. Gauner is an informal term.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Schuft is a masculine noun, so it is used with masculine articles like der or ein. The noun Schuft follows the weak declension pattern, meaning its form changes when used with certain grammatical cases (e.g., den Schuft in the accusative).
Did you know?
- The word Schuft is an onomatopoeic remnant. It was originally used to imitate the sounds made by the eagle owl, a bird that is only active in the dark.
- While Schuft and Gauner both describe dishonest people, a Gauner is often viewed as a 'lovable rogue' or a clever trickster, whereas a Schuft is seen as truly lacking in virtue.
- If you want to call a woman a scoundrel, you can use the term Schuftin, though it sounds even more archaic than the masculine version.
Examples in context
- Andersen ist ein Schuft! Warum kann er seine Märchen nicht gut ausgehen lassen? Warum müssen die immer so traurig enden?Andersen is a scoundrel! Why can’t he let his fairy tales have a good outcome? Why do they always have to end so sadly?This example shows the use of Schuft to express frustration with someone's character.Tatoeba #8100673 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8100973 by Objectivesea
- Der reiche Geschäftsmann wurde als Schurke entlarvt.The wealthy businessman was exposed as a scoundrel.
- Der Halunke stahl mir mein Geld.The scoundrel stole my money.
- Du Schelm hast mir einen Streich gespielt!You scoundrel, you played a prank on me!
- Was für ein Gauner! Er hat mir mein Portemonnaie gestohlen.What a scoundrel! He stole my wallet.
- Er ist ein kleiner Strolch, aber man kann ihm nicht böse sein.He's a little scoundrel, but you can't be mad at him.
- Dieser Schuft hat mein Geld gestohlen.That scoundrel stole my money.
- Er ist ein rücksichtsloser Schuft.He is a ruthless scoundrel.
Example conversation
Felix and Hannah are discussing a dishonest neighbor.
- FelixUnser Nachbar ist ein wahrer Schuft.Our neighbor is a true scoundrel.
- HannahJa, er hat mich belogen.Yes, he lied to me.
- FelixMan kann ihm nicht vertrauen.One cannot trust him.
- HannahDas ist leider wahr.That is unfortunately true.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Schuft, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schuft, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
