adjective

selbsternannt

self-proclaimed

So nennt man jemanden, der sich ohne Zustimmung anderer selbst einen Titel, eine Rolle oder besondere Bedeutung gibt.

Definition & meaning

The word "selbsternannt" is an adjective used to describe a person who has given themselves a specific title, status, or role without any official authorization, formal qualification, or external recognition.

It is often used with a skeptical or pejorative connotation. When someone is referred to as "selbsternannt," it implies that their claim to a certain position or expertise is solely based on their own assertion and may not be supported by facts or the opinions of others. For instance, a "selbsternannter Experte" is someone who calls themselves an expert, though they may lack the necessary credentials or experience to justify the title.

Grammar & Word origin

The word is a compound adjective consisting of two distinct German parts:

selbst: A prefix or pronoun meaning "self."
ernannt: The past participle of the verb ernennen, which means "to appoint," "to name," or "to nominate."

As an adjective, it follows standard German adjective declension rules based on the gender, number, and case of the noun it modifies (e.g., der selbsternannte Anführer, ein selbsternannter Fachmann).