01
der Hinterhalt
ambush
A planned attack from concealment or a hidden position in order to surprise an opponent.
example
Die Soldaten gerieten in einen feindlichen Hinterhalt.
The soldiers walked into an enemy ambush.
der Hinterhalt
ambush
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word composition
'Hinterhalt' (ambush) is made up of 'hinter' (behind) and 'Halt' (stop/hold). The literal idea is to force someone to 'stop' from a position 'behind' something, e.g. a tree, and then attack them.
EXAMPLE
Die Räuber versteckten sich hinter einer Biegung der Straße.
The robbers hid behind a bend in the road.
Typical verbs
Certain verbs are often combined with 'Hinterhalt' (ambush). In the passive sense, you say 'in einen Hinterhalt geraten' (to walk into an ambush); in the active sense, 'jemandem einen Hinterhalt legen' (to set an ambush for someone).
EXAMPLE
Die Gruppe geriet auf dem Weg durch den Wald in einen Hinterhalt.
The group walked into an ambush on their way through the forest.
Figurative meaning
The fixed expression 'jemanden in den Hinterhalt locken' (to lure someone into an ambush) is often also used figuratively for intrigues or deception in everyday life or at work.
EXAMPLE
Sie merkte zu spät, dass man sie mit dem Meeting in einen Hinterhalt gelockt hatte.
She realized too late that they had lured her into an ambush with the meeting.
Compare with
Hinterhalt vs Angriff
attack
'der Angriff' and 'der Hinterhalt' can both describe a hostile action against someone. 'Der Angriff' is the general term: someone takes action against a target. 'Der Hinterhalt' is more specific. It involves someone hiding or planning a trap so that the opponent is surprised. So an ambush is often a planned attack from concealment. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with danger and violence. If the surprise or the hidden position is important, 'Hinterhalt' is more precise. If it is only about the hostile action, 'Angriff' is enough.
Hinterhalt
Die Gruppe geriet auf der schmalen Straße in einen Hinterhalt.
The group walked into an ambush on the narrow road.
Angriff
Die Soldaten bereiten sich auf einen möglichen Angriff vor.
The soldiers prepare for a possible attack.
In real life
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