der Hofnarr
Translation
court jester, fool
Examples
Der Hofnarr unterhielt den König.
The court jester entertained the king.
Er benimmt sich manchmal wie ein Hofnarr.
He sometimes behaves like a court jester.
Grammar Patterns
to be the court jester Er war der Hofnarr des Königs.
to behave like a court jester Benimm dich nicht wie ein Hofnarr!
Similar Words
Clown, Komiker (comedian), Spaßvogel (joker)
Etymology
Composed of 'Hof' (court, as in a royal court) and 'Narr' (fool, jester). Literally a 'court fool'.
Memory Tips
Picture a 'Narr' (fool) at the royal 'Hof' (court). This historical figure was often the only one who could speak the truth to the king, cloaked in humour.