bomb
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bomb
An object filled with explosives that is used for destruction through an explosion.
Der Kampfmittelräumdienst konnte die Fliegerbombe aus dem Zweiten Weltkrieg erfolgreich entschärfen.
The bomb disposal service was able to successfully defuse the aerial bomb from the Second World War.
In the literal sense, 'Bombe' (bomb) is often used with specific verbs. These include 'eine Bombe entschärfen' (to defuse a bomb), 'eine Bombe zünden' (to detonate a bomb), or 'eine Bombe legen' (to plant a bomb).
Spezialisten mussten die Bombe unter Wasser zünden.
Specialists had to detonate the bomb underwater.
The expression 'die Bombe platzen lassen' means to announce surprising and often unpleasant news. The person who delivers the news 'lässt die Bombe platzen' (drops the bombshell).
Auf der Familienfeier ließ er die Bombe platzen und verkündete seine Auswanderung.
At the family celebration, he dropped the bombshell and announced that he was emigrating.
When a piece of news has a big, sudden impact, people say it 'schlägt ein wie eine Bombe' (hits like a bomb). This expression describes the shock or surprise triggered by information.
Die Nachricht von der Schließung der Fabrik schlug in der Stadt ein wie eine Bombe.
The news of the factory closing hit the town like a bombshell.
The use of 'Bombe' (the bomb) as an expression for something great or impressive is purely colloquial. You should only use this expression in informal situations with friends.
Die Party war echt die Bombe!
The party was really the bomb!
hammer
'der Hammer' and 'die Bombe' can both colloquially refer to something very impressive. 'der Hammer' is very general: something can be great, unbelievable, or even outrageous. 'die Bombe' often sounds even more dramatic. It can be something very good, but also surprising or shocking news. Learners may confuse the words because both sound strong and figurative. The context is important: for a good party or idea, both can fit; for a surprising revelation, 'die Bombe' is more precise.
Seine Kündigung war eine Bombe, mit der im Team niemand gerechnet hatte.
His resignation was a bombshell that no one on the team had expected.
Der Blick vom Berg war der Hammer, wir haben lange Fotos gemacht.
The view from the mountain was amazing, and we spent a long time taking photos.