predicament
die Bredouille, die Bredouillen
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predicament
A difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation that is hard to get out of. The word is usually used in fixed expressions such as „in die Bredouille geraten“ (to get into a predicament) or „jemanden in die Bredouille bringen“ (to get someone into a predicament).
Durch seinen Fehler geriet er in die Bredouille.
Because of his mistake, he got into a predicament.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Bredouillen |
| genitive | der Bredouille |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Bredouille | die Bredouillen |
| accusative | die Bredouille | die Bredouillen |
| dative | der Bredouille | den Bredouillen |
| genitive | der Bredouille | der Bredouillen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
„Die Bredouille“ is especially common in fixed expressions with „geraten“ (to get into), „kommen“ (to get into) or „bringen“ (to get someone into). After „in“, the accusative is used: „in die Bredouille“ (into a predicament).
Durch den Ausfall des Lieferanten kam die Firma in die Bredouille.
The company got into a predicament because of the supplier's failure.
Ihre unüberlegte Aussage brachte den ganzen Verein in die Bredouille.
Her thoughtless statement got the entire club into a predicament.
To describe getting out of this situation, „aus der Bredouille kommen“ (to get out of a predicament) or „jemandem aus der Bredouille helfen“ (to help someone out of a predicament) are often used. After „aus“, the dative is used.
Mit einem kleinen Kredit kam die Familie aus der Bredouille.
The family got out of its predicament with a small loan.
Seine Freunde halfen ihm aus der Bredouille.
His friends helped him out of his predicament.
„Die Bredouille“ is used mainly in colloquial and journalistic language and often has a somewhat vivid, figurative quality. In factual texts, it occurs especially in expressions that vividly describe an unpleasant situation.
Nach dem überraschenden Stromausfall war der Betrieb plötzlich in der Bredouille.
After the unexpected power outage, the business suddenly found itself in a predicament.
