Compliment or insultInsult

German

Schlauberger

Meaning: A know-it-all smartass who never misses a chance to show off their cleverness.

Literally: Clever-Berger

Origin: Schlau ('clever/sly') + the common surname suffix -berger; a wry compound for the self-appointed expert.

More German compliments & insults

Du bist nicht die hellste Kerze auf der Torte You're a little dim — not the smartest in the room.
Du bist ein Schatz You're a sweetheart.
Du hast doch einen Vogel You're a bit out of your mind.
Du gehst mir auf den Keks You're getting on my nerves.
Schlaumeier A smart aleck or know-it-all.
Du bist ein Goldstück You're a real gem — priceless, irreplaceable, and deeply appreciated.

Explore another collection: False Friends

Words that look familiar in another language but mean something else entirely.

Bekommen Actually means 'to receive' or 'to get'. To become is werden.
Rat Actually means 'advice' or 'counsel'. A rat (the rodent) is eine Ratte.
See Actually means 'lake' (der See) or 'sea' (die See). To see is sehen.

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