die Delle
dent
A small inward-curving indentation on a smooth surface, usually caused by an impact or pressure.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Hagelschauer hatte das Autodach viele kleine Dellen.
After the hailstorm, the car roof had many small dents.
die Delle
dent
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
die Delle
dip / slump
In a figurative sense, a temporary decline or drop, for example in performance, sales figures, or one's personal form.
EXAMPLE
Die Verkaufszahlen haben nach dem Rekordmonat jetzt eine kleine Delle.
After the record month, the sales figures now have a small dip.
Usage tips
Typical preposition
The word 'Delle' (dent) is very often used with the preposition 'in'. You have 'eine Delle in' (a dent in) something (dative), or you make 'eine Delle in' (a dent in) something (accusative).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe leider eine Delle im neuen Kühlschrank.
Unfortunately, I have a dent in the new refrigerator.
Typical collocations
In connection with physical dents, the verbs 'haben' (to have), 'bekommen' (to get), and 'machen' (to make) are very common. When a dent is repaired, the verb 'ausbeulen' (to remove dents / to panel-beat) is used.
EXAMPLE
Die Werkstatt kann diese kleine Delle im Kotflügel leicht ausbeulen.
The repair shop can easily remove this small dent in the fender.
Figurative meaning
The figurative meaning of 'Delle' (dent / dip) always refers to a temporary slump or decline. It is often found in the context of business, sports, or personal performance.
EXAMPLE
Nach einem starken Jahresbeginn hat die Konjunktur nun eine Delle.
After a strong start to the year, the economy now has a dip.
Compare with
Delle vs tief
deep
Tief describes a crisis or poor state as serious and severe. Delle refers more to a limited, temporary decline from the usual course. Tief fits a prolonged severe slump in form; Delle is better for a brief drop in performance.
Delle
Nach zwei schwächeren Spielen hatte die Mannschaft nur eine kurze Delle in ihrer Form.
After two weaker games, the team experienced only a brief dip in form.
tief
Seit Monaten steckt die Mannschaft in einer tiefen Formkrise.
The team has been in a deep slump for months.
In real life
Loading video examples...