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besoffen
drunk
A colloquial, often derogatory expression for the state of being very drunk.
example
Nach der Party waren einige Gäste total besoffen.
After the party, some guests were totally drunk.
besoffen
drunk
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Origin of the word
'Besoffen' (drunk) is the past participle of the reflexive verb 'sich besaufen' (to get drunk). The base verb 'saufen' is a colloquial and often derogatory term for drinking excessively, which explains the negative tone of 'besoffen' (drunk).
EXAMPLE
Er hat sich auf der Feier gestern Abend richtig besoffen.
He got really drunk at the celebration last night.
Colloquial style
This word clearly belongs to colloquial speech. It is a very direct expression and, depending on the situation and conversation partner, can sound rude or derogatory.
EXAMPLE
Der Mann in der Bar war so besoffen, dass er kaum noch stehen konnte.
The man in the bar was so drunk that he could barely stand.
Typical intensifiers
To express a very high degree of drunkenness, 'besoffen' (drunk) is often combined with intensifying words. Typical examples are 'total besoffen' (totally drunk) or 'sturzbesoffen' (fall-down drunk).
EXAMPLE
Nach der Siegesfeier war die halbe Mannschaft sturzbesoffen.
After the victory celebration, half the team was fall-down drunk.
Figurative use
In its figurative meaning, 'besoffen' (intoxicated) is combined with the preposition 'vor' (with/from) and a feeling in the dative. It describes that someone is completely overwhelmed by a feeling.
EXAMPLE
Sie war nach dem Sieg ihrer Mannschaft besoffen vor Freude.
After her team's victory, she was intoxicated with joy.
Compare with
besoffen vs voll
full
'voll' and 'besoffen' can both mean that someone is very drunk. Both words are colloquial. However, 'besoffen' usually sounds harsher and often derogatory. 'Voll' is also not neutral, but it feels somewhat more general and can occur in casual everyday language. In formal situations, you should avoid both words and say 'betrunken' instead.
besoffen
Vor dem Club stand ein besoffener Mann und schrie laut herum.
A drunk man was standing in front of the club and shouting loudly.
voll
Mein Bruder war gestern ziemlich voll und ist früh nach Hause gegangen.
My brother was pretty drunk yesterday and went home early.
In real life
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