die / der  Verrückte

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/fɛɐ̯ˈʁʏktə/

🤔 What does "Verrückte" actually mean?

The word "Verrückte" is a nominalized adjective derived from the adjective verrückt (crazy, mad, insane). It refers to a person who is considered crazy.

The articles "der" and "die" distinguish the gender of the person:

• der Verrückte: Refers to a male person who is crazy.
• die Verrückte: Refers to a female person who is crazy.

Plural: die Verrückten (refers to multiple crazy people, male, female, or mixed).

🚨 Attention: Depending on the context and intent, the term can be perceived as derogatory or stigmatizing. In informal language, it is sometimes used affectionately or teasingly for eccentric or particularly unconventional people, but caution is advised.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "Verrückte": Declension in Detail

"Verrückte(r)" is declined like an adjective following a definite article (der/die/das) – this is known as weak declension for nominalized adjectives.

Masculine (der Verrückte - the crazy man)

Feminine (die Verrückte - the crazy woman)

Plural (die Verrückten - the crazy people)

💡 Example Sentences

1. Der Polizist sprach mit dem Verrückten, der auf der Straße tanzte. (The policeman spoke to the crazy man who was dancing in the street. - Dative, masculine)
2. Man hielt die Verrückte für harmlos, aber sie hatte einen Plan. (They considered the crazy woman harmless, but she had a plan. - Accusative, feminine)
3. Ein Verrückter rief vom Dach herunter. (A crazy man shouted down from the roof. - Nominative, masculine, indefinite)
4. Sie ist bekannt als die Verrückte mit den bunten Haaren. (She is known as the crazy woman with the colorful hair. - Nominative, feminine)
5. Die Ideen der Verrückten werden oft zuerst belächelt. (The ideas of the crazy people are often ridiculed at first. - Genitive, plural)

🗣️ Everyday Usage: When to Use "Verrückte(r)"

The term "Verrückte(r)" is mostly used informally.

• Direct Description: To refer to a person whose behavior is perceived as irrational, illogical, or psychologically conspicuous. ⚠️ Caution: This can be very hurtful and stigmatizing.
• Colloquial/Teasing: Sometimes the term is also used for people who are particularly eccentric, unconventional, risk-taking, or passionate (e.g., "Du bist ja ein Verrückter, so schnell zu fahren!" - "You're crazy to drive so fast!", "Sie ist eine Verrückte, wenn es um ihre Katzen geht." - "She's crazy about her cats."). Context is crucial here as well.
• Difference from Adjective: While verrückt describes a quality ("Er ist verrückt" - "He is crazy"), "der/die Verrückte" is a nominalization that characterizes the person as a whole.
• Medical Context: In professional medical or psychological contexts, the term is avoided because it is non-specific and stigmatizing. Instead, specific diagnoses are mentioned, or more neutral terms like "Patient(in)" (patient) or "Person mit psychischer Erkrankung" (person with a mental illness) are used.

Generally, one should use the word carefully, as it can easily be taken as an insult.

🧠 Mnemonics for "Verrückte(r)"

For the articles (der/die): Think of the natural gender: Der sounds like 'dear sir' (male) -> der Verrückte. Die sounds like 'dee' for a lady -> die Verrückte. Or simply remember: der Mann (man), die Frau (woman).

For the meaning: Imagine someone's mind or thoughts have been "ver-rückt" – literally 'shifted' or 'displaced' from the normal position. This leads to 'crazy' (verrückt) behavior. Someone like that is der/die Verrückte.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Words

Related Word: The adjective verrückt (crazy, mad). Example: "Er ist verrückt." (He is crazy.) vs. "Er ist ein Verrückter." (He is a crazy person.)

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Besucher den Direktor der Irrenanstalt: "Sagen Sie mal, wie stellen Sie eigentlich fest, ob jemand verrückt ist?"
Direktor: "Ganz einfach. Wir füllen eine Badewanne mit Wasser, geben dem Kandidaten einen Teelöffel, eine Tasse und einen Eimer und bitten ihn, die Wanne zu leeren."
Besucher: "Ah, verstehe. Ein Normaler würde den Eimer nehmen, richtig?"
Direktor: "Nein, ein Normaler würde den Stöpsel ziehen! Möchten Sie ein Zimmer mit oder ohne Balkon?" 😉

--- Translation ---

A visitor asks the director of the asylum: "Tell me, how do you actually determine if someone is crazy?"
Director: "Very simple. We fill a bathtub with water, give the candidate a teaspoon, a cup, and a bucket, and ask them to empty the tub."
Visitor: "Ah, I see. A normal person would take the bucket, right?"
Director: "No, a normal person would pull the plug! Would you like a room with or without a balcony?" 😉

✍️ Poem about the Verrückte(r)

Man nennt ihn den Verrückten,
weil er die Welt anders sieht,
mit Augen, die entrückten,
wo Phantasie erblüht.

Man nennt sie die Verrückte,
weil sie nach Sternen greift,
sich kühn nach vorne bückte,
wo Norm den Geist versteift.

Doch sind's nicht die Verrückten,
die oft das Neue wagen,
mit Träumen, die verzückten,
und andre Bahnen schlagen?

--- Translation ---

They call him the crazy one (der Verrückte),
because he sees the world anew,
with eyes that seem transported,
where fantasy blooms true.

They call her the crazy one (die Verrückte),
because she reaches for the stars,
boldly leaned forward, never done,
where norms the spirit bars.

But isn't it the crazy ones (die Verrückten),
who often dare the new,
with dreams that have enchanted,
and strike paths fresh and true?

❓ Little Riddle

Ich tanze oft aus der Reihe,
mal laut, mal still, mal ohne Scheue.
Mein Kopf ist voller bunter Ideen,
manch einer kann mich nicht verstehen.
Bin ich ein Mann, sagst du "der _____",
bin ich 'ne Frau, sagst du "die _____".

Wer bin ich?
(Lösung/Solution: der Verrückte / die Verrückte)

--- Translation ---

I often dance out of line,
Sometimes loud, sometimes quiet, sometimes without shyness fine.
My head is full of colorful ideas,
Some people cannot understand my pleas.
If I am a man, you say "der _____",
If I am a woman, you say "die _____".

Who am I?
(Solution: der Verrückte / die Verrückte - the crazy man / the crazy woman)

✨ Other Interesting Aspects

Word Origin

"Verrückte(r)" derives from the verb verrücken. Originally, it meant to move something from its proper place, to shift or displace it. Applied to the mind, it means that the mind deviates from its "normal" state or has been shifted.

Cultural View

The perception of "craziness" has changed significantly throughout history and varies culturally. What is considered crazy in one society might be seen as eccentric, ingenious, or even spiritually enlightened in another.