abtrünnig
rebellious · disloyal
The German word "abtrünnig" is an adjective that translates to "rebel" or "defector" in English. It comes from the prefix "ab-" meaning "off" or "away" and the root "trünnig," which relates to loyalty (although the phrase "trünnig" isn't commonly used on its own in modern German). "Abtrünnig" typically describes someone who has separated or withdrawn from a group or cause, especially in contexts of treason or dissent.
Similar words in German include "Abtrünniger" (defector) and "Rebell" (rebel).
The difference lies in that "abtrünnig" refers specifically to one who leaves or betrays a cause, mainly carrying a sense of treachery, while "Rebell" suggests active resistance or opposition without implicating a change of allegiance. "Abtrünniger" is a noun form of the same idea, focusing more on the person who defects.
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Examples
Man betrachtete ihn als abtrünnig und misstraute ihm.adjective
He was considered rebellious and was distrusted.
Viele hielten ihn für abtrünnig wegen seiner Entscheidungen.adjective
Many considered him to be disloyal because of his decisions.
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