der Narr, -en

Meaning (in English)

Narr means “fool” or “jester.”
It can refer to:

1. A foolish person (someone acting stupidly or lacking good judgment).
2. A court jester / clown (a traditional figure who entertains, often in historical or theatrical contexts).

Depending on context, it can sound literary, old-fashioned, or insulting.

Word parts

• Narr is a simple noun (no separable parts in modern German).
• Related forms:
  • närrisch = foolish, silly
  • Narrheit = foolishness

German synonyms

• For “fool” (insult/criticism): Idiot, Dummkopf, Trottel, Depp, Einfaltspinsel
• For “jester/clown” (role/figure): Hofnarr, Spaßmacher, Clown

German antonyms (if applicable)

• Opposites to “fool”: Weiser, Kluger, Gescheiter, Intellektueller (context-dependent)
• Opposites to “jester” are less fixed, but in terms of seriousness: Ernsthafter, Sachlicher