boomerang
der Bumerang, die Bumerangs
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boomerang
A usually curved throwing stick that can return to its starting point after being thrown. It was originally used by Indigenous Australians.
Der Bumerang kehrte nach dem Wurf tatsächlich zu ihm zurück.
The boomerang actually returned to him after he threw it.
boomerang
An action or measure that turns against the person who initiated it.
Seine aggressive Werbekampagne wurde zum Bumerang und schadete dem Unternehmen.
His aggressive advertising campaign became a boomerang and harmed the company.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Bumerangs |
| genitive | des Bumerangs |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Bumerang | die Bumerangs die Bumerange |
| accusative | den Bumerang | die Bumerangs die Bumerange |
| dative | dem Bumerang | den Bumerangs den Bumerangen |
| genitive | des Bumerangs des Bumeranges | der Bumerangs der Bumerange |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
With 'der Bumerang' (the boomerang), words related to throwing, flying, or returning usually indicate the literal object. When the subject is the consequences of an action or measure, the meaning is figurative: something turns against the person responsible for it.
Der Bumerang flog in einem weiten Bogen über das Feld.
The boomerang flew in a wide arc over the field.
Die harte Kritik wurde für den Politiker zum Bumerang.
The harsh criticism became a boomerang for the politician.
In its literal meaning, 'der Bumerang' (the boomerang) frequently occurs with verbs related to throwing and flying, for example 'einen Bumerang werfen' (to throw a boomerang), 'einen Bumerang fangen' (to catch a boomerang), and 'ein Bumerang kehrt zurück' (a boomerang returns).
Die Kinder übten im Park, einen Bumerang zu werfen.
The children practiced throwing a boomerang in the park.
In its figurative meaning, 'der Bumerang' (the boomerang) is especially often used in 'zum Bumerang werden' (to become a boomerang) or 'sich als Bumerang erweisen' (to prove to be a boomerang). The action or measure that later has negative consequences for its originator is often the focus.
Die Veröffentlichung der vertraulichen Daten erwies sich als Bumerang für das Unternehmen.
The publication of the confidential data proved to be a boomerang for the company.
