der Donnerschlag
thunderclap
A very loud, sudden clap of thunder.
EXAMPLE
Ein Donnerschlag ließ die Fensterscheiben klirren.
A thunderclap made the windowpanes rattle.
der Donnerschlag
thunderclap
der Donnerschlag, die Donnerschläge
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
der Donnerschlag
thunderclap
Figuratively: a sudden, unexpected, and shocking event.
EXAMPLE
Die Nachricht vom Unfall traf ihn wie ein Donnerschlag.
The news of the accident hit him like a thunderclap.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Donnerschlag, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Donnerschläge |
| genitive | des Donnerschlages |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Donnerschlag | die Donnerschläge |
| accusative | den Donnerschlag | die Donnerschläge |
| dative | dem Donnerschlag | den Donnerschlägen |
| genitive | des Donnerschlages des Donnerschlags | der Donnerschläge |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Compound word
'Donnerschlag' (thunderclap) is made up of 'Donner' (thunder) and 'Schlag' (blow). The word literally refers to a clap of thunder and can therefore also figuratively express something particularly intense or shocking.
EXAMPLE
Ein gewaltiger Donnerschlag erschreckte die Kinder im Garten.
A tremendous thunderclap frightened the children in the garden.
Typical collocations
In its literal sense, 'Donnerschlag' (thunderclap) often appears with verbs and adjectives that express loudness and suddenness, for example 'ein Donnerschlag ertönt' (a thunderclap rings out), 'ein lauter Donnerschlag' (a loud thunderclap), or 'ein plötzlicher Donnerschlag' (a sudden thunderclap).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem grellen Blitz ertönte ein ohrenbetäubender Donnerschlag.
After the bright flash of lightning, a deafening thunderclap rang out.
Fixed expression
In its figurative sense, 'Donnerschlag' (thunderclap) is often used in the expression 'wie ein Donnerschlag' (like a thunderclap). It usually follows verbs such as 'treffen' (to hit) or 'einschlagen' (to strike) and emphasizes the shocking impact of an event.
EXAMPLE
Die unerwartete Kündigung traf sie wie ein Donnerschlag.
The unexpected dismissal hit her like a thunderclap.
In real life
Loading video examples...