grenade / bombshell
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grenade
A hollow object filled with explosives that is fired as a projectile from a weapon or thrown by hand.
Bei Bauarbeiten wurde eine Granate aus dem Zweiten Weltkrieg gefunden und musste entschärft werden.
During construction work, a grenade from the Second World War was found and had to be defused.
The meaning of 'Granate' depends heavily on the context. In a military or historical context, it refers to the weapon. In colloquial speech, it usually refers to something or someone perceived as extraordinary.
Die Soldaten warfen eine Granate.
The soldiers threw a grenade.
The word 'Granate' (grenade) derives from 'Granatapfel' (pomegranate). Early grenades had a similar shape to the fruit and were filled with many small metal pieces that recalled the seeds of the apple.
Die alte Granate musste vom Kampfmittelräumdienst entschärft werden.
The old grenade had to be defused by the bomb disposal service.
In the literal meaning as a weapon, 'Granate' (grenade) is often combined with verbs such as 'werfen' (to throw), 'abfeuern' (to fire), 'explodieren' (to explode), or 'entschärfen' (to defuse).
Der Panzer feuerte eine Granate auf das feindliche Ziel ab.
The tank fired a grenade at the enemy target.
This use for an attractive person is very colloquial. It expresses strong admiration, but depending on the situation it can also be perceived as superficial or inappropriate.
Alle schauten sich nach ihr um, sie war eine echte Granate.
Everyone turned to look at her; she was a real bombshell.
Colloquially, 'Granate' is used to describe a thing or experience as fantastic. It is often intensified by words like 'absolut' (absolute), 'echt' (real), or 'rein' (pure).
Sein neues Album ist eine Granate, jedes Lied ist ein Hit.
His new album is an absolute hit; every song is a hit.
beauty
'die Schönheit' and 'die Granate' can both refer to a very attractive person. 'Schönheit' is much more neutral and can also sound serious or elegant. 'Granate' is very colloquial and stronger: it suggests striking, impressive attractiveness. At the same time, it can come across as superficial or disrespectful, depending on the situation. If you want to speak politely or objectively, 'Schönheit' is more natural. 'Granate' fits more in very casual conversations among friends.
Max flüsterte seinem Freund zu, dass die neue Sängerin auf der Bühne eine Granate sei.
Max whispered to his friend that the new singer on stage was a real bombshell.
Alle bewunderten die Schönheit der Schauspielerin auf dem roten Teppich.
Everyone admired the actress's beauty on the red carpet.