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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
jemanden in den Hinterhalt locken
to lure into an ambush
To bring someone into a trap or a disadvantageous situation through deception.
EXAMPLE
Mit dem falschen Jobangebot versuchte die Konkurrenz, ihn in den Hinterhalt zu locken.
With the fake job offer, the competitor tried to lure him into an ambush.
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 Falle
trap
Eine Falle and ein Hinterhalt can both refer to a prepared plan against an opponent. However, ein Hinterhalt requires a surprise attack from a concealed position, while a Falle can work without an attack. Use „Hinterhalt“ when the opponent is to be attacked from cover; otherwise, „Falle“ is often the better choice.
Hinterhalt
Die Räuber warteten im Hinterhalt, um den Händler am abgelegenen Treffpunkt überraschend anzugreifen.
The robbers lay in ambush, waiting to attack the merchant by surprise at the remote meeting place.
Falle
Die Räuber stellten dem Händler eine Falle, indem sie ihn zu einem abgelegenen Treffpunkt lockten.
The robbers set a trap for the merchant by luring him to a remote meeting place.
In real life
Loading video examples...