der Bösewicht
Translation
villain, bad guy, scoundrel
Examples
Der Bösewicht im Film war sehr schlau.
The villain in the film was very clever.
Jede gute Geschichte braucht einen Bösewicht.
Every good story needs a villain.
Grammar Patterns
the villain ((as subject)) The villain plans something terrible.
Similar Words
Synonyms: der Schurke, der Übeltäter; Antonyms: der Held (hero)
Etymology
Composed of 'böse' (evil, bad) and 'Wicht' (wight, creature). Literally an 'evil creature'.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'wicked wight' from fantasy. 'Böse' sounds a bit like 'boss', and the villain is often the final boss.