Spinner
/ˈʃpɪnɐ/masculine
The English phrase 'weirdo' can be translated into German as Spinner or Exzentriker.
Meaning: strange person (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Spinner | /ˈʃpɪnɐ/ | masculine |
| Exzentriker | masculine |
Exzentriker is a formal term for someone with unconventional behaviors or interests. Spinner suggests a person who is not just strange, but also irrational or talking nonsense.
What does it mean word for word?
The term Spinner literally means 'spinner' (someone who spins thread). Metaphorically, it describes someone spinning yarns or talking nonsense.
Which one should you use?
Exzentriker is a more formal and neutral term for a person with unusual habits, whereas Spinner is more insulting and colloquial, similar to calling someone a 'weirdo' or a 'crackpot'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The provided forms Exzentriker and Spinner are masculine. To refer to a female weirdo, use the feminine form Spinnerin.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃpɪnɐ/
Did you know?
- The word Spinner shares a root with the word for 'spider', Spinne, because both involve the act of spinning thread.
- In German, the verb spinnen is used as a slang term for 'going crazy' or 'being delusional'. If someone tells you Spin nicht!, they are telling you to stop talking nonsense.
- If a German speaker calls someone a Spinner with a smile and a soft tone, it can function as a term of endearment for a quirky friend.
Examples in context
- Was für ein kranker Spinner bist du bitte schön?What kind of sick weirdo are you?This sentence is useful for seeing how Spinner is used in an insulting way.Tatoeba #4878271 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3731936 by CM
- Mein Kollege ist ein seltsamer Mensch, er hat ungewöhnliche Gewohnheiten.My colleague is a strange person, he has unusual habits.
- Was ist denn das für ein Spinner?What kind of weirdo is that?
- Mein Nachbar ist ein komischer Kauz, er sammelt Korken.My neighbor is a weird dude, he collects corks.
- Der Typ ist ein totaler Spinner.That guy is a total weirdo.
- Glaub nicht jedem Spinner auf der Straße.Don't believe every weirdo on the street.
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are walking through a park and observe a man acting strangely.
- JulianSchau mal, da drüben ist ein Spinner.Look, there is a weirdo over there.
- LauraJa, er verhält sich wirklich seltsam.Yes, he is behaving really strangely.
- JulianIch möchte gar nicht mit ihm reden.I don't want to talk to him at all.
- LauraKeine Sorge, Julian, wir gehen einfach weiter.Don't worry, Julian, we'll just keep walking.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “weirdo” translations and entries Spinner, Exzentriker, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
