du Dummer
The English phrase "you stupid" can be expressed in German as du Dummer.
This expression is used as an insulting epithet to tell someone they are unintelligent. In German, it functions as a noun phrase rather than just an adjective describing a person.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form du Dummer uses a masculine singular noun form, which implies the person being addressed is male. To address a female, the phrase changes to du Dumme. If you are addressing a group of people, use ihr Dummen.
Did you know?
- The word dumm is a cognate of the English word 'dumb'. However, while the English word often refers to someone who cannot speak, in German, it almost exclusively refers to a lack of intelligence.
- The word du is a direct relative of the archaic English 'thou'. Both words evolved from the same Proto-Germanic root *þū.
- While 'dumm' is a direct insult, Germans often use the word 'toll' or 'wahnsinnig' in a sarcastic way to mean 'stupid' or 'crazy', which can be confusing for newcomers.
Examples in context
- Du dummer Ochse!You stupid oaf.This sentence is useful for seeing how du Dummer is used in an epithet.Tatoeba #6028474 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6026310 by Hybrid
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are arguing over a board game.
- HannahDu hast den Zug falsch gemacht, du Dummer!You made the move wrong, you stupid!
- LukasDas stimmt gar nicht, Hannah!That is not true at all, Hannah!
- HannahDoch, schau dir das Spielbrett an.Yes it is, look at the game board.
- LukasOh, du hast recht. Ich habe mich geirrt.Oh, you are right. I was mistaken.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Dummer, du, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
