der Catch
catch
Colloquial for the catch, drawback, or decisive, often hidden point in a situation or offer.
EXAMPLE
Das Angebot klingt zu gut, um wahr zu sein – wo ist der Catch?
The offer sounds too good to be true—where's the catch?
der Catch
catch
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Meanings
der Catch
wrestling hold
In wrestling, a hold, technique, or the fight itself.
EXAMPLE
Der Höhepunkt des Abends war ein spektakulärer Catch, der das Publikum begeisterte.
The highlight of the evening was a spectacular wrestling hold that thrilled the audience.
Usage tips
English loanword
'Catch' is a word borrowed directly from English. In German, it is used with the article 'der'.
EXAMPLE
Der Catch bei diesem Job ist, dass man auch am Wochenende arbeiten muss.
The catch with this job is that you also have to work on weekends.
Colloquial usage
In the meaning of 'der Haken an der Sache' (the catch in the matter), 'Catch' is very colloquial. It is often used in informal conversations to ask about a hidden disadvantage.
EXAMPLE
Die Wohnung ist billig und zentral. Ich frage mich, wo da der Catch ist.
The apartment is cheap and central. I wonder where the catch is.
Typical question
The question 'Wo ist der Catch?' (Where's the catch?) is especially common. It expresses distrust toward an offer that seems too good to be true.
EXAMPLE
Du bekommst das Handy gratis zum Vertrag dazu? Wo ist der Catch?
You get the phone for free with the contract? Where's the catch?
Context clue
When 'Catch' is used in connection with sports, fighting, or a show, it almost always refers to a hold or technique in wrestling.
EXAMPLE
Der Wrestler beendete den Kampf mit seinem berühmten Catch.
The wrestler ended the fight with his famous wrestling hold.
Compare with
Catch vs Haken
hook / catch
Der Haken refers to a hidden disadvantage or problem with something. Der Catch can mean the same thing, but it is colloquial and much less common. In a normal German conversation or text, Haken is usually the better fit; Catch sounds more casual and strongly colloquial.
Catch
Der Catch an dem kostenlosen Angebot ist die lange Bindung.
The catch with the free offer is the long-term commitment.
Haken
Der Haken an dem kostenlosen Angebot ist die lange Bindung.
The catch with the free offer is the long-term commitment.
In real life
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