Blöde Kuh
/ˈbløːdə kuː/word by word
The English phrase "stupid cow" is translated into German as Blöde Kuh.
Blöde Kuh is an insulting term used to describe a woman who is perceived as foolish or annoying. While it can be used as a harsh insult, it is also frequently used in a colloquial, somewhat playful or teasing way between close friends or in certain social contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective blöde (stupid/silly) and the noun Kuh (cow).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective blöde takes the -e ending because it is used here in the nominative singular feminine form. The plural form of the phrase is Blöde Kühe.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbløːdə kuː/
Did you know?
- While Blöde Kuh is gender-specific, German uses the masculine animal Ochse (ox) in the phrase sturer Ochse to describe a stubborn man.
- The word blöd was historically used to describe something that was literally 'blind' or 'dull' before it became a synonym for 'stupid'.
- The term Kuh is sometimes used in the idiom eine Kuh auf dem Eis to describe someone who is clumsy or awkward.
Examples in context
- Maria ist eine blöde Kuh.Mary is a stupid cow.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use Blöde Kuh to describe someone.Tatoeba #14057750 by maaster, translation #14057793 by Babelball
Example conversation
Sarah and Julian are talking about a coworker they dislike.
- SarahHast du das wieder von ihr gehört?Did you hear that from her again?
- JulianJa, sie hat mich schon wieder kritisiert.Yes, she criticized me again.
- SarahWas für eine blöde Kuh!What a stupid cow!
- JulianDas stimmt, sie ist wirklich anstrengend.That's true, she is really exhausting.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (blöde, Kuh) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
