Learning how to say “spoiled” in German can be useful in many situations, whether you want to express your opinion or describe someone’s behavior. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to convey this meaning. Additionally, we’ll provide you with tips, examples, and even some regional variations. Let’s get started!
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Formal Ways to Say “Spoiled”
If you want to express the notion of “spoiled” in a more formal context, here are some phrases you can use:
- Verwöhnt – This is the standard translation for “spoiled” and can be used both for objects and people. For example, “Die Schokolade schmilzt bei der Hitze. Sie ist verdorben” (translated: “The chocolate is melting due to the heat. It is spoiled”).
- Zu verwöhnen – This translates to “to spoil” and implies indulging someone excessively. You can use it in sentences like “Er lässt sich von seinem Partner zu sehr verwöhnen” (translated: “He allows his partner to spoil him too much”).
- Verzärteln – Although less common, this word can convey the sense of “spoiled.” An example sentence could be “Die Kinder verziehen sich nicht. Sie sind total verzärtelt” (translated: “The children don’t behave. They are completely spoiled”).
Informal Ways to Say “Spoiled”
Informal language allows for more colloquial expressions. Here are some informal ways to say “spoiled” in German:
- Verwöhnte Göre – This phrase means “spoiled brat” and is commonly used to describe a spoiled child. For instance, “Die verwöhnte Göre bekommt immer alles, was sie will” (translated: “The spoiled brat always gets whatever she wants”).
- Verhätschelt – This term is used to describe someone who is excessively pampered. An example sentence would be “Sie ist eine verwöhnte Prinzessin und wird von jedem verhätschelt” (translated: “She is a spoiled princess and is pampered by everyone”).
- Verziehen – This word is a slightly more colloquial way to say “spoiled.” For instance, you could use it in a sentence like “Ihre Eltern haben sie total verziehen” (translated: “Her parents spoiled her completely”).
Regional Variations
In German, you may encounter some regional variations when referring to someone as “spoiled.” Here are a couple of examples:
Verzenchgelt (Southern Germany) – This term is commonly used in Southern Germany to describe spoiled behavior. For example, “Die ist ganz schön verzenchgelt” (translated: “She is quite spoiled”).
Verdorben (Northern Germany and Austria) – While “verdorben” typically means “spoiled” or “spoiled food,” in Northern Germany and Austria, it can also be used to describe a person as “spoiled.” For instance, “Die ist echt verdorben” (translated: “She is really spoiled”).
Remember, these regional variations may not be widely understood outside their respective areas, so it’s best to stick to the commonly used terms to avoid confusion.
Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you better understand and use the word “spoiled” in German:
- Context Matters: Always consider the context in which you want to use the word “spoiled.” Depending on the situation, different translations or phrases may be more appropriate.
- Non-Literal Translations: Keep in mind that some translations of “spoiled” can have additional meanings in German. For example, “verdorben” can also mean “corrupted” or “spoiled food.”
- Politeness: When discussing someone’s behavior, it’s essential to maintain a polite tone. If you want to express criticism, consider using more neutral or factual language to avoid sounding rude.
Now that you have a variety of translations and phrases to choose from, you can confidently express the concept of “spoiled” in German, both formally and informally. Remember to pay attention to the context and regional variations if necessary. Enjoy expanding your German vocabulary!
