der  Teufel

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈtɔʏ̯fl̩/

😈 What does "der Teufel" mean?

The word der Teufel has several meanings:

• Religious/Mythological Meaning: The primary meaning is the personification of evil, the antagonist of God in many religions (especially Christianity and Islam), often referred to as Satan. He is depicted as the tempter and leader of the fallen angels.
• Figurative Meaning (Person): It can describe a very evil, cunning, or cruel person. "Dieser Kerl ist ein wahrer Teufel!" (That guy is a real devil!)
• Figurative Meaning (Exclamation): It's often used in exclamations of surprise, anger, or emphasis. "Was zum Teufel ist hier los?" (What the devil/hell is going on here?) or "Das ist ja der Teufel!" (That's the devil! - meaning amazing/difficult).
• Armer Teufel: A pitiful person, a poor soul. "Er ist ein armer Teufel." (He's a poor devil.)

⚠️ Attention: Using it as an exclamation can be perceived as coarse or impolite.

Article rules for der, die, and das

Understanding the Grammar of "Teufel"

"Teufel" is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:

Example Sentences

• Nominativ: Der Teufel steckt oft im Detail. (The devil is often in the details.)
• Akkusativ: Viele malen den Teufel an die Wand. (Many paint the devil on the wall / fear the worst.)
• Dativ: Er hat seine Seele dem Teufel verkauft. (He sold his soul to the devil.)
• Genitiv: Das ist die List des Teufels. (That is the devil's trick.)
• Plural: In manchen Geschichten kämpfen Engel gegen die Teufel. (In some stories, angels fight against the devils.)

🗣️ How is "der Teufel" used?

"Der Teufel" is a strong word used in various contexts:

• Religious/Mythological: In texts, discussions, or stories about religion, mythology, or the supernatural.
• Idioms (Redewendungen): Very common in fixed expressions:
  • Den Teufel an die Wand malen: (lit. 'to paint the devil on the wall') To fear the worst unnecessarily.
  • In Teufels Küche kommen: (lit. 'to get into the devil's kitchen') To get into serious trouble.
  • Zum Teufel jagen/schicken: (lit. 'to chase/send to the devil') To tell someone or something to go to hell, to dismiss forcefully.
  • Der Teufel steckt im Detail: (The devil is in the details) Small, seemingly insignificant things can cause the biggest problems.
  • Hol's der Teufel!: (lit. 'May the devil take it!') An expression of anger or cursing.
  • Ein Pakt mit dem Teufel: (A pact with the devil) Making a deal that brings short-term gain but long-term harm.
• As a Swear Word/Exclamation: To describe a person or express frustration, surprise, or anger (often informal and potentially vulgar). "Was zum Teufel...?" (What the devil/hell...?).
• Comparison with "Satan": "Teufel" is the more common term in everyday language and idioms. "Satan" is often used more specifically in a religious context.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

• Article (der): Imagine DER Devil wearing a top hat – a typically masculine accessory (der Hut). Or think of the devil as DER antagonist, a male role.

• Meaning (Evil/Difficulty): Think of a devilish grin 😏. When something is "zum Teufel", it's difficult or annoying. The Teufel brings trouble and problems, he's the embodiment of evil.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Teufel

Similar but potentially misleading words:

• teuflisch (adjective): devilish, diabolical, fiendish, very difficult. "Ein teuflischer Plan." (A devilish plan.)
• verteufeln (verb): to demonize, to portray something or someone as extremely evil.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der kleine Teufel seinen Vater: "Papa, stimmt es, dass wir böse sind?" Sagt der Teufelsvater: "Ach was, mein Sohn, wir sind nur missverstanden. Die Engel bekommen einfach die bessere Presse!"

English: The little devil asks his father: "Dad, is it true that we are evil?" The devil father replies: "Nonsense, my son, we're just misunderstood. The angels simply get better press!"

📜 Poem about the Devil

German:
Rot glüht sein Blick, die Hörner spitz,
Der Teufel liebt den bösen Witz.
Er flüstert Zweifel, sät die Gier,
Versteckt im Detail lauert hier.
Mal an die Wand gemalt aus Schreck,
Doch oft nur ein Gedankenfleck.
Man schickt ihn fort mit Fluch und Schrei,
Doch ist er wirklich je frei?

English Translation:
Red glows his gaze, the horns are sharp,
The Devil loves a wicked quip.
He whispers doubt, sows seeds of greed,
Hidden in detail, here's his deed.
Painted on walls sometimes in fright,
But often just a mental plight.
Sent far away with curse and cry,
But is he ever truly free nearby?

❓ Little Riddle

German:
Ich bin der Fürst der Finsternis genannt,
Hab Hörner, Schwanz und bin bekannt.
Man malt mich an die Wand aus Sorge,
Und komm in Schwierigkeiten vor.
Mein Name steckt oft im Detail,
Wer bin ich wohl? Rat schnell und heil!

English:
I'm called the Prince of Darkness grand,
With horns and tail, known through the land.
They paint me on the wall in fear,
And when you're in trouble, I appear.
My name is often in the small print's art,
Who am I? Guess quick and smart!

Solution: der Teufel (the Devil)

🤓 Trivia

• Etymology: The word "Teufel" comes from the Greek word διάβολος (diabolos), meaning "slanderer" or "one who throws into confusion". It entered Old High German (tiufal) via Latin (diabolus).
• Cultural Depictions: The Devil is frequently depicted in art, literature, and music, from medieval paintings to modern films and rock songs. His portrayal varies greatly across cultures and time periods.
• Related Terms: teuflisch (adjective: devilish), verteufeln (verb: to demonize), Teufelei (noun: devilry, devilish act).