selbsternannter

Selbsternannter is a German adjective meaning "self-proclaimed" or "self-styled." It describes a person or an attribute that someone claims for themselves rather than receiving recognition or appointment from others. The term comes from sich selbst ernennen, literally "to appoint oneself," with ernannt being the past participle of ernennen (to appoint).

Usage and nuance: Selbsternannter is commonly used to indicate that the claimed status or expertise is not officially recognized or endorsed by others. It often carries a skeptical or critical tone, especially in politics, media coverage, and on social platforms. For example, der selbsternannte Experte or ein selbsternannter Führer implies doubt about the legitimacy or qualifications of the person. While it can be used descriptively, it is more frequently employed as a value-laden characterization.

Grammatical notes: As an attributive adjective, selbsternannt follows standard German inflection: der selbsternannte Politiker, die selbsternannten Experten, dem selbsternannten Anführer, etc. The noun form Selbsternannter is uncommon but possible when referring to a self-proclaimed person in a nominalized sense: der Selbsternannte.

Translations: In English, the most common equivalents are self-proclaimed, self-styled, or self-appointed, chosen to reflect the nuance that the status is claimed rather than conferred by others.

See also: sich selbst ernennen; Selbsternennung.