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Schlaumeier

Learn a funny, quirky German word each week with DW's Word of the Week feature. This week: Schlaumeier.

https://p.dw.com/p/RlXp
Image: picture-alliance/ dpa/dpaweb

If someone calls you a "Schlaumeier," you can feel flattered: They think you're smart, cunning and crafty. "Meier" is a common German surname, like "Smith" in English, and "schlau" means clever. But, watch out! The would-be compliment could be given with a slightly facetious undertone. In this case, you may have been spotted as a Meier who thinks he is being particularly clever, but has missed the mark! Donald Duck, who celebrated his 75th birthday earlier this month, is one of the world's most famous - and beloved - Schlaumeier.