der Aufschrei
cry
A loud, sudden cry that expresses pain, fear, shock, or surprise.
EXAMPLE
Als er die Maus sah, stieß er einen kurzen Aufschrei aus.
When he saw the mouse, he let out a short cry.
der Aufschrei
outcry
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
der Aufschrei
outcry
A strong public reaction of outrage, protest, or indignation in society or within a group.
EXAMPLE
Die geplante Schließung der Bibliothek sorgte für einen Aufschrei in der Stadt.
The planned closure of the library caused an outcry in the city.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Der Aufschrei' (the outcry/cry) is the nominalization of the verb 'aufschreien' (to cry out). The prefix 'auf-' here emphasizes the sudden, loud beginning of the crying out.
EXAMPLE
Ihr plötzliches Aufschreien erschreckte alle im Raum.
Her sudden crying out startled everyone in the room.
Context clue
The literal meaning refers to a short, loud cry from a single person. The figurative meaning describes a loud, public protest reaction from a group or society.
EXAMPLE
Er unterdrückte einen Aufschrei des Schmerzes.
He suppressed a cry of pain.
Typical collocation
In the literal meaning, the verb 'ausstoßen' (to let out/utter) is often used: 'einen Aufschrei ausstoßen' (to let out a cry).
EXAMPLE
Als sie die Spinne sah, stieß sie einen lauten Aufschrei aus.
When she saw the spider, she let out a loud cry.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'Aufschrei' (outcry) is often combined with verbs like 'sorgen für' (to cause) or 'auslösen' (to trigger). A common phrase is also 'ein Aufschrei der Empörung' (an outcry of indignation).
EXAMPLE
Die Entscheidung der Regierung sorgte für einen Aufschrei in den Medien.
The government's decision caused an outcry in the media.
Compare with
Aufschrei vs Protest
protest
Both words refer to a public reaction against something. Protest usually sounds deliberate and can be connected with a planned action, whereas Aufschrei emphasizes a sudden, strong expression of outrage. Protest is therefore appropriate for organized opposition, while Aufschrei is more suitable for spontaneous indignation.
Aufschrei
Die geplante Schließung des Parks löste in der Stadt einen Aufschrei aus.
The planned closure of the park sparked an outcry in the city.
Protest
Die Bürger organisierten einen Protest gegen die geplante Schließung des Parks.
The residents organized a protest against the planned closure of the park.
In real life
Loading video examples...