to hail
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to hail
The meteorological phenomenon in which precipitation falls from the sky in the form of small grains of ice (hail).
Es hat so stark gehagelt, dass das Dachfenster gesprungen ist.
It hailed so hard that the roof window cracked.
to be pelted with
In a figurative sense: a large amount of something (such as criticism, questions, accusations) comes down on someone or something quickly and forcefully.
Nach der Ankündigung der Steuererhöhung hagelte es Proteste aus der Bevölkerung.
After the announcement of the tax increase, the government was pelted with protests from the public.
'Hageln' (to hail) is an impersonal verb. This means it is always used with the subject 'es' (it), both in the literal meaning (weather) and in the figurative meaning.
Gestern hat es den ganzen Nachmittag gehagelt.
Yesterday it hailed all afternoon.
In the figurative meaning, 'es hagelt' is usually followed by a noun in the accusative that describes a large amount of something. This construction expresses that something comes down on someone quickly and in large numbers.
Nach der kontroversen Entscheidung hagelte es Kritik von allen Seiten.
After the controversial decision, criticism came from all sides.
The figurative meaning is often combined with negative or challenging things. Typical expressions are 'es hagelt Kritik' (criticism comes pouring in), 'es hagelt Vorwürfe' (accusations come pouring in), 'es hagelt Fragen' (questions come pouring in), or 'es hagelt Absagen' (rejections come pouring in).
Auf der Pressekonferenz hagelte es Fragen an den Minister.
At the press conference, the minister was pelted with questions.
to rain
Both words can describe a large amount of something arriving quickly. „Regnen“ sounds more neutral and can also be used for positive or less intense reactions, while „hageln“ usually expresses a heavy, often negative onslaught. With criticism, „hageln“ particularly emphasizes the harshness and intensity.
Nach der Entscheidung hagelte es heftige Vorwürfe von vielen Seiten.
After the decision, harsh accusations came raining down from many sides.
Nach der Entscheidung regnete es Kritik von vielen Seiten.
After the decision, criticism rained down from many sides.
