du Idiot
/duː iˈdi̯oːt/word by word
The English phrase "you idiot" is translated into German as du Idiot.
du Idiot is an insulting expression used to call someone stupid.
Which one should you use?
The phrase du Idiot is used when addressing a single person. If you are addressing a group of people, you should use ihr Idioten instead.
How do you pronounce it?
/duː iˈdi̯oːt/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly add an -en to the end of Idiot when speaking to one person. However, du Idiot is the correct singular form.
Did you know?
- In German, calling someone an Idiot can be legally classified as Beleidigung (insult), which is a criminal offense that can be reported to the police.
- German has many specific words for 'idiot' based on the type of stupidity, such as Vollpfosten, which literally translates to 'full fence post'.
- While du Idiot is an insult, Germans frequently use the word Idiot as a term of endearment between very close friends or partners when said with a specific playful tone.
Examples in context
- Ich habe dich nicht verraten, du Idiot!I didn't betray you, you idiot!Tatoeba #11565699 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3233817 by sundown
- Du Idiot!You idiot!Tatoeba #438913 by xtofu80, translation #418475 by Scott
- Du Idiot! Du hast mein Handy fallen lassen!You idiot! You dropped my phone!
- Du hast den Schlüssel verloren, du Idiot!You lost the key, you idiot!
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are arguing after he broke her favorite mug.
- LukasEs tut mir leid, Laura.I am sorry, Laura.
- LauraDas war deine Schuld, du Idiot!That was your fault, you idiot!
- LukasIch war nicht aufmerksam.I was not paying attention.
- LauraDas ist echt nervig.That is really annoying.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (du, Idiot) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
