In ball sports such as tennis or volleyball, the first hit with which the ball is put into play.
example
Ihr erster Aufschlag war so schnell, dass der Gegner nicht reagieren konnte.
Her first serve was so fast that her opponent couldn't react.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Aufschlag' is the noun form of the separable verb 'aufschlagen'. The verb means 'auf etwas schlagen' (to hit something) or 'etwas aufschlagen' (to open something, like a book). This basic meaning appears in all variants: the ball lands in the court (sport), an amount is added to the price (costs), or an object hits the ground (impact).
EXAMPLE
Beim Aufschlag des Balles gab es ein lautes Geräusch.
There was a loud noise when the ball impacted.
Context clue: sports
When talking about sports such as tennis, volleyball, or badminton, 'Aufschlag' always means the first move in play (the serve). Typical verbs in this context are 'machen' (to make/do), 'trainieren' (to train), or 'erwidern' (to return).
EXAMPLE
Der Tennisprofi ist für seinen harten Aufschlag bekannt.
The tennis pro is known for his powerful serve.
Context clue: finances
In the context of prices, invoices, or costs, 'Aufschlag' means an additional amount added to the base price. Signal words here include euros, percent, price, costs, or invoice.
EXAMPLE
Für Expressversand müssen Sie einen Aufschlag von 10 % zahlen.
You have to pay a surcharge of 10% for express shipping.
Sentence structure with 'auf'
When a price surcharge is meant, the thing on which the surcharge is charged is often connected with the preposition 'auf' and the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Es gibt einen Aufschlag auf alle Tickets, die am Abend gekauft werden.
There is a surcharge on all tickets bought in the evening.
Context clue: physics
When the topic is physical contact or collision between objects, 'Aufschlag' means the moment of impact. This is often used in connection with accidents, falls, or celestial bodies.
EXAMPLE
Der Aufschlag auf dem harten Boden hat das Handy zerstört.
The impact on the hard floor destroyed the phone.
Compare with
synonym · confusable
Aufschlag vs Angabe
information / boasting
'Angabe' and 'Aufschlag' can be confused in sports when referring to the first hit that puts a ball into play. 'Aufschlag' is the normal word for this, especially in tennis or volleyball. 'Angabe' can also be used in this sporting sense, but this meaning is not listed here as a separate meaning. In their other meanings, the words do not match: 'Angabe' then means information or, colloquially, boasting, while 'Aufschlag' can also mean a surcharge or an impact.
Aufschlag
Beim Tennis übt ihr den Aufschlag heute besonders lange.
In tennis, you are practicing the serve for an especially long time today.
Angabe
Bei der Angabe wirft sie den Ball ruhig nach oben.