01
ballern
to shoot
Colloquial for loud and often repeated shooting with a firearm.
example
In dem Actionfilm ballern die Helden ohne Unterbrechung.
In the action film, the heroes shoot nonstop.
ballern
to blast / shoot
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Always colloquial
'Ballern' is a very colloquial word in all its meanings. Use it in informal conversations with friends, but not in formal or written contexts.
EXAMPLE
Der Stürmer hat den Ball einfach reingeballert.
The striker simply blasted the ball in.
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning of 'ballern' from the context. If it is about weapons, it means shooting. If it is about sports, it means a hard shot. If it is about music, it means it is very loud.
EXAMPLE
Im neuen Actionfilm wird wieder viel geballert.
There is a lot of shooting again in the new action film.
In a sports context
Especially in soccer, 'ballern' is used for a powerful, often not very precise shot. Typical phrases are 'den Ball aufs Tor ballern' (to blast the ball at the goal) or 'den Ball ins Netz ballern' (to blast the ball into the net).
EXAMPLE
Er hat den Ball aus 30 Metern Entfernung ins Tor geballert.
He blasted the ball into the goal from 30 meters away.
Fixed expression
In the youth-slang meaning of excessive consumption, the fixed expression 'sich einen ballern' or 'sich die Lichter ausballern' is often used. It describes heavy alcohol or drug consumption.
EXAMPLE
Sie waren auf einer Party und haben sich ordentlich einen geballert.
They were at a party and got properly wasted.
Compare with
ballern vs nehmen
to take
'nehmen' and 'ballern' can both refer to consuming alcohol or drugs. 'nehmen' is the normal and neutral word here: you can take medicine, food, drinks, or drugs. 'ballern' is very colloquial or youth slang and means heavy, often uncontrolled consumption. Learners may confuse the words because both occur in this area. In normal conversations, in health contexts, or in official situations, 'nehmen' is correct. 'ballern' only fits in very casual language and sounds clearly rough.
ballern
Auf der Party haben einige viel Alkohol geballert und waren später kaum noch ansprechbar.
At the party, some people consumed a lot of alcohol and later were barely responsive.
nehmen
Nele nimmt seit gestern ein neues Medikament gegen die Schmerzen.
Nele has been taking a new medication for the pain since yesterday.
In real life
Loading video examples...