der Fluch
curse
A spoken magical or divine spell intended to bring misfortune to a person, place, or object.
EXAMPLE
Der Legende nach liegt ein Fluch auf dem alten Schloss.
According to legend, a curse lies on the old castle.
der Fluch
curse
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Meanings
der Fluch
curse
A swear word or imprecation uttered out of anger, annoyance, or pain.
EXAMPLE
Ein leiser Fluch kam über seine Lippen, als er sich den Finger klemmte.
A quiet curse passed his lips when he pinched his finger.
der Fluch
curse
A state of ongoing bad luck or failure that is felt to be fated.
EXAMPLE
Es scheint ein Fluch auf dieser Mannschaft zu liegen; sie verliert immer im Finale.
There seems to be a curse on this team; they always lose in the final.
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Fluch' (the curse) is the noun corresponding to the verb 'fluchen' (to curse/swear). While 'fluchen' describes the act of swearing, 'der Fluch' (the curse) is the result—either the swear word itself or a magical spell.
EXAMPLE
Er konnte nicht aufhören zu fluchen, nachdem er den Fluch des Pharaos gelesen hatte.
He couldn't stop swearing after reading about the curse of the pharaoh.
Typical verbs
In the context of magic, a curse is often combined with certain verbs. You can 'jemanden mit einem Fluch belegen' (to put a curse on someone), and you can try to 'einen Fluch brechen' (to break a curse) or 'aufheben' (to lift it).
EXAMPLE
Die Hexe belegte den Prinzen mit einem schrecklichen Fluch.
The witch put a terrible curse on the prince.
Fixed preposition
When a curse weighs on a person or place, the preposition 'auf' (on) is used with the dative. The fixed expression is: 'Ein Fluch liegt auf jemandem/etwas' (a curse lies on someone/something).
EXAMPLE
Seit Generationen liegt ein Fluch auf dieser Familie.
For generations, a curse has lain on this family.
Typical combinations
When 'Fluch' (curse) means a swear word, it is often 'ausgestoßen' (uttered) or quietly 'gemurmelt' (muttered). The context is usually a spontaneous reaction to pain, anger, or frustration.
EXAMPLE
Als er den Hammer auf seinen Daumen fallen ließ, stieß er einen lauten Fluch aus.
When he dropped the hammer on his thumb, he let out a loud curse.
Figurative meaning
This meaning is often used metaphorically in sports or for recurring bad luck. People speak of the 'Fluch des zweiten Platzes' (curse of second place) when a team always fails just before victory.
EXAMPLE
Die Mannschaft hofft, dieses Jahr endlich den Fluch des Pokalfinales zu besiegen.
The team hopes to finally defeat the curse of the cup final this year.
Compare with
Fluch vs Bann
spell / fascination
Bann and Fluch can both refer to a magical effect. A Bann binds or restrains a person through magic, while a Fluch is specifically intended to bring misfortune. Bann is therefore the right choice for a binding effect, and Fluch for a harmful curse.
Fluch
Die Hexe belegte den Wächter mit einem Fluch, der ihm Unglück bringen sollte.
The witch placed a curse on the guard that was meant to bring him bad luck.
Bann
Die Hexe belegte den Wächter mit einem Bann, sodass er den Ort nicht verlassen konnte.
The witch placed the guard under a spell, so he could not leave the place.
In real life
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