01
geschlagen
beaten
Having been defeated in a fight, competition, or dispute.
example
Nach einem langen Finale musste sich die Mannschaft knapp geschlagen geben.
After a long final, the team had to admit they were narrowly beaten.
geschlagen
beaten / whipped
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Participle as adjective
'Geschlagen' is the past participle of the verb 'schlagen' (to hit/beat). Almost all meanings derive from the basic idea of hitting or defeating: you can be beaten in sports, cream is whipped, or you can be struck by fate.
EXAMPLE
Die geschlagene Mannschaft verließ enttäuscht das Spielfeld.
The beaten team left the playing field disappointed.
Fixed expression
In the meaning 'besiegt' (defeated), the reflexive expression 'sich geschlagen geben' is often used. It means that you accept your defeat or give up.
EXAMPLE
Nach stundenlanger Diskussion gab er sich endlich geschlagen.
After hours of discussion, he finally admitted defeat.
Emphatic function
When 'geschlagen' emphasizes an expression of time or quantity, it stands unchanged directly before the number. It stresses how long something is or how large the amount is, often with a feeling of surprise or annoyance.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe geschlagene drei Stunden auf diesen Anruf gewartet.
I waited a full three hours for this call.
Context: cooking
You can always recognize this meaning from the context of cooking or baking. Typical combinations are 'geschlagene Sahne' (whipped cream) or 'steif geschlagenes Eiweiß' (egg whites beaten until stiff).
EXAMPLE
Der Kuchen wird mit geschlagener Sahne serviert.
The cake is served with whipped cream.
Fixed expression with preposition
The expression 'mit etwas geschlagen sein' (to be afflicted with something) is fixed and always uses the preposition 'mit' followed by the dative. It describes that someone suffers from a negative trait or an unfortunate circumstance.
EXAMPLE
Er ist mit einer schrecklichen Singstimme geschlagen.
He is afflicted with a terrible singing voice.
Compare with
geschlagen vs ganz
whole / quite
'ganz' and 'geschlagen' can seem similar with expressions of time or quantity. 'ganz' then means 'full' or 'complete', for example 'eine ganze Stunde' (a whole hour). 'geschlagen' also comes before such expressions, but emphasizes them more strongly and often sounds a bit surprised or annoyed: 'geschlagene zwei Stunden' (a full two hours). Learners may confuse the words because both express a full duration or quantity. In neutral everyday language, 'ganz' is more often suitable. You use 'geschlagen' when you want to especially emphasize the length or size.
geschlagen
Nach dem Unterricht saß Mehmet geschlagene drei Stunden an den Hausaufgaben.
After class, Mehmet spent a full three hours on his homework.
ganz
Sie wartet eine ganze Stunde auf den Bus.
She waits a whole hour for the bus.
In real life
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