coup
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coup
A surprising, bold, and usually successful action or clever move. It often refers to a brilliant business or political stroke.
Mit dem Kauf des Konkurrenten ist dem Unternehmen ein echter Coup gelungen.
By buying its competitor, the company pulled off a real coup.
You can recognize the meaning of 'Coup' (coup) from context. If it is about a clever business or everyday action, it means a successful clever move. In a political or military context, it usually means a coup or attempted overthrow.
Mit dieser Werbekampagne ist der Marketingabteilung ein echter Coup gelungen.
With this advertising campaign, the marketing department pulled off a real coup.
When a 'Coup' (coup) describes a successful action, it is often combined with verbs like 'landen' (to land/pull off) or 'gelingen' (to succeed). Typical adjectives are 'genial' (brilliant), 'überraschend' (surprising), or 'ein echter' (a real).
Dem Autor ist mit seinem neuen Roman ein Bestseller-Coup gelungen.
The author pulled off a bestseller coup with his new novel.
The phrasing 'jemandem gelingt ein Coup' (someone pulls off a coup) is very common. The person or institution that is successful is in the dative.
Dem kleinen Start-up gelang ein Coup gegen die große Konkurrenz.
The small start-up pulled off a coup against the large competitors.
In the meaning of 'Putsch' (coup), the original French form 'Coup d’État' is often used. This expression is a clear indication of a violent political overthrow.
In der Geschichte des Landes gab es mehrere Coups d'État.
There were several coups d'état in the country's history.
thing
'das Ding' and 'der Coup' can both refer to a surprising or impressive action. 'der Coup' is more specific: it describes a bold, successful action, often in politics, business, or planning. 'das Ding' is much more colloquial and general. It can mean a strong performance or a surprising success, without a special strategy being the main focus. Learners may confuse the words because both can sound positive and surprised. If the action was cleverly planned and especially skillful, 'Coup' fits better; in casual everyday language, 'Ding' may be enough.
Mit dem günstigen Kauf der Firma ist dem Team ein echter Coup gelungen.
With the inexpensive purchase of the company, the team pulled off a real coup.
Nach dem Gespräch sagt Tom: Das war ein richtig gutes Ding von dir.
After the conversation, Tom says: That was a really good move by you.