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
besoffen
intoxicated
In a figurative sense, to be overwhelmed and intoxicated by a strong feeling such as happiness, love, or success.
EXAMPLE
Er war besoffen vor Glück, als er die Zusage für den Job bekam.
He was intoxicated with happiness when he got the acceptance for the job.
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 blau
blue
Blau and besoffen are colloquial words for a state resulting from alcohol consumption. Besoffen, however, sounds rougher and is often derogatory, usually suggesting that someone is very drunk, whereas blau can also refer to a less severe level of intoxication. For a casual, less harsh statement, blau is more suitable.
besoffen
Nach der ganzen Nacht war er völlig besoffen.
After being out all night, he was completely drunk.
blau
Nach zwei Bieren war er schon blau.
He was already drunk after two beers.
In real life
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