Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| verwöhnt | /fɛɐ̯ˈvøːnt/ |
| verzogen |
In German, these terms describe a person, usually a child, who has developed a selfish or greedy character because they have been overindulged or pampered. The phrase ein verwöhntes Kind is the standard way to say 'a spoiled child'. Additionally, the informal phrase Verwöhnte Göre is used to mean 'spoiled brat' when describing a child.
Which one should you use?
The two forms carry different nuances. verwöhnt is often used to describe someone who has been given many luxuries or has been treated very well. It can sometimes carry a neutral or even slightly positive connotation of being pampered. In contrast, verzogen is more strictly negative and specifically describes the bad behavior or character resulting from being spoiled, often used to describe a 'spoiled brat'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective verwöhnt is derived from the verb verwöhnen, which means to spoil or pamper someone.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɛɐ̯ˈvøːnt/
Did you know?
- In a culinary context, you cannot use verzogen to describe food that has gone bad. If a dish is 'spoiled' or rotten, Germans use the word verdorben instead.
- While verwöhnt refers to being pampered, the word verzogen contains the root of ziehen, meaning 'to pull' or 'to stretch'. It evokes the image of a child whose character has been 'pulled out of shape' by indulgence.
- The term Göre in Verwöhnte Göre originally referred to a clumsy or loud child, but over time it evolved into a gendered insult typically aimed at girls.
Examples in context
- Tom hat Mary verwöhnt.Tom spoiled Mary.This sentence shows how to use verwöhnt to describe the action of spoiling someone.Tatoeba #11948516 by Naina, translation #11948506 by CK
- Du bist ein richtig verzogener Bengel.You really are a spoiled brat.This sentence uses verzogen to describe someone as a spoiled brat.Tatoeba #4111354 by Dani6187, translation #3728034 by CM
- Du führst dich wie ein verzogener Balg auf!You're acting like a spoiled brat.This sentence uses verzogen to describe someone acting like a spoiled brat.Tatoeba #6139728 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5374264 by Hybrid
- Er lässt sich von seinem Partner zu sehr verwöhnenHe allows his partner to spoil him too much
- Die verwöhnte Göre bekommt immer alles, was sie willThe spoiled brat always gets whatever she wants
- Sie ist eine verwöhnte Prinzessin und wird von jedem verhätscheltShe is a spoiled princess and is pampered by everyone
- Ihre Eltern haben sie total verziehenHer parents spoiled her completely
- Die ist echt verdorbenShe is really spoiled
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are discussing their nephew's behavior.
- LukasUnser Neffe ist wirklich sehr verwöhnt.Our nephew is really very spoiled.
- LauraJa, er bekommt immer alles, was er will.Yes, he always gets everything he wants.
- LukasLaura, du bist viel geduldiger als ich.Laura, you are much more patient than I am.
- LauraEr ist eben ein verwöhntes Kind, Lukas.He is just a spoiled child, Lukas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spoiled” translations and entries verwöhnt, verzogen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
