der Hagel
hail
A form of precipitation in which small to large balls of ice fall from the sky.
EXAMPLE
Der plötzliche Hagel hat das Autodach und die Ernte beschädigt.
The sudden hail damaged the car roof and the crops.
der Hagel
hail
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Meanings
ein Hagel von
a hail of
A large amount of something that pelts someone or something quickly and intensely, often figuratively for criticism, questions, or blows.
EXAMPLE
Nach seiner umstrittenen Aussage erntete der Politiker einen Hagel von Protesten.
After his controversial statement, the politician was met with a hail of protests.
Usage tips
Use with 'es'
When it hails, the impersonal phrase 'es hagelt' (it is hailing) is often used. The noun 'Hagel' (hail) then becomes a verb.
EXAMPLE
Gestern hat es so stark gehagelt, dass die Straßen weiß waren.
Yesterday it hailed so heavily that the streets were white.
Typical collocations
In connection with the weather phenomenon, people often speak of 'starkem Hagel' (heavy hail) or a 'Hagelschauer' (hail shower). Things can be 'vom Hagel beschädigt' (damaged by hail).
EXAMPLE
Ein kurzer, aber heftiger Hagelschauer zog über das Land.
A short but violent hail shower passed over the countryside.
Context clue
You can always recognize the figurative meaning by the preposition 'von' (of). The phrase 'ein Hagel von' (a hail of) describes a large, rapid amount of mostly negative things such as criticism, questions, or accusations.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Pressekonferenz gab es einen Hagel von kritischen Fragen.
After the press conference, there was a hail of critical questions.
Compare with
Hagel vs Flut
tide / flood
A Flut of questions or criticism emphasizes the very large, almost unmanageable amount. A Hagel von questions or criticism additionally highlights that everything pelts someone quickly and intensely. Hagel is therefore especially appropriate when the intensity is sudden.
Hagel
Noch während der Rede prasselte ein Hagel von Fragen auf die Ministerin ein.
Even during the speech, a hail of questions came pelting at the minister.
Flut
Nach der Rede musste die Ministerin eine Flut von Fragen beantworten.
After the speech, the minister had to answer a flood of questions.
In real life
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