die Explosion
explosion
A sudden, violent release of energy, often associated with a loud bang, heat, and a pressure wave.
EXAMPLE
Bei dem Chemieunfall kam es zu einer schweren Explosion.
The chemical accident caused a serious explosion.
die Explosion
explosion
die Explosion, die Explosionen
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Meanings
die Explosion
explosion
A sudden, very sharp increase in something; a rapid rise within a short time.
EXAMPLE
In den letzten Jahren gab es eine wahre Explosion der Immobilienpreise.
In recent years there has been a real explosion in real estate prices.
die Explosion
explosion
A sudden, uncontrolled outburst of strong emotions such as anger or joy.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Provokation folgte eine Explosion seines Zorns.
After the provocation came an explosion of his anger.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Explosion, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Explosionen |
| genitive | der Explosion |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Explosion | die Explosionen |
| accusative | die Explosion | die Explosionen |
| dative | der Explosion | den Explosionen |
| genitive | der Explosion | der Explosionen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Explosion' (explosion) is the noun corresponding to the verb 'explodieren' (to explode). Both words describe a sudden, violent event and are used both literally and metaphorically.
EXAMPLE
Die Bombe ist zum Glück nicht explodiert.
Fortunately, the bomb did not explode.
Die Zuschauer explodierten vor Freude, als das Tor fiel.
The spectators exploded with joy when the goal was scored.
Compound words
In its metaphorical meaning of 'sharp increase', 'Explosion' (explosion) is often the second part of compound nouns. Typical examples are 'Kostenexplosion' (cost explosion) or 'Preisexplosion' (price explosion).
EXAMPLE
Die Firma kämpft mit einer Kostenexplosion im Energiebereich.
The company is struggling with a cost explosion in the energy sector.
Typical expression
To express that an explosion has taken place, the formulation 'es kam zu einer Explosion' (there was/an explosion occurred) is very common and sounds natural.
EXAMPLE
Durch einen technischen Defekt kam es zu einer Explosion in der Fabrik.
A technical defect caused an explosion in the factory.
Metaphorical use
The word is often used figuratively. If it is about numbers, data, or prices, it means a rapid increase. If it is about emotions such as anger or joy, it means a sudden outburst.
EXAMPLE
Wir erleben gerade eine Explosion der Nutzerzahlen auf unserer Webseite.
We are currently experiencing an explosion in user numbers on our website.
Seine Frage führte zu einer Explosion der Wut bei seinem Chef.
His question led to an explosion of anger from his boss.
Compare with
Explosion vs Anstieg
increase / ascent
Anstieg objectively describes a value becoming higher. Explosion can also describe an increase, but emphasizes its exceptional strength and speed. Anstieg suits a neutral development; Explosion can fit a particularly dramatic change.
Explosion
Die Explosion der Mieten um dreißig Prozent innerhalb eines Jahres belastet viele Familien.
The explosion in rents, which rose by thirty percent in a single year, is putting a strain on many families.
Anstieg
Der Anstieg der Mieten um zwei Prozent entspricht der Entwicklung der letzten Jahre.
The two-percent increase in rents is in line with the trend of recent years.
In real life
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