der Killer
killer
A person who kills someone, especially a contract killer.
EXAMPLE
Im Film wird ein ehemaliger Agent von einem unbekannten Killer gejagt.
In the film, a former agent is hunted by an unknown killer.
der Killer
killer
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Meanings
der Killer
killer
Colloquial for something that is extremely good, effective, or impressive.
EXAMPLE
Das Gitarrensolo in diesem Song ist der absolute Killer!
The guitar solo in this song is an absolute killer!
der Killer
killer
Colloquial for something that ruins, ends, or seriously harms something else.
EXAMPLE
Der ständige Lärm war der Killer für jede Konzentration.
The constant noise was the killer for any concentration.
Usage tips
Literal vs. colloquial
The original meaning 'Mörder' (murderer) is literal. The meanings 'etwas Tolles' (something great) or 'etwas Störendes' (something disruptive), on the other hand, are colloquial and are used only in informal conversations.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei sucht nach einem professionellen Killer.
The police are looking for a professional killer.
Typical compounds
In the meaning 'Mörder' (murderer), 'Killer' (killer) is often used as part of compound words to specify the type of killing, for example 'Auftragskiller' (contract killer) or 'Serienkiller' (serial killer).
EXAMPLE
Der Roman handelt von der Jagd auf einen gerissenen Serienkiller.
The novel is about the hunt for a cunning serial killer.
Colloquial expression
When 'Killer' (killer) describes something very good or impressive, it is a strongly colloquial expression often used by younger people. It expresses extreme enthusiasm.
EXAMPLE
Das Konzert gestern war der Killer!
The concert yesterday was a killer!
Usage pattern
In the meaning 'etwas, das stört' (something that disrupts), 'Killer' (killer) is often used with the preposition 'für' (for) and a noun in the accusative. This construction describes exactly what is being prevented or destroyed.
EXAMPLE
Ständige Unterbrechungen sind der Killer für kreatives Arbeiten.
Constant interruptions are the killer for creative work.
Compare with
Killer vs Mörder
murderer
Mörder and Killer can both refer to a person who has killed someone. Mörder is the neutral, general term. Killer usually sounds more colloquial and can suggest a deliberate or professional perpetrator in particular, so it is not equally suitable in every situation.
Killer
Im Film verfolgt ein Killer den Politiker durch die leeren Straßen.
In the film, a killer pursues the politician through the empty streets.
Mörder
Die Polizei nahm den Mörder des Mannes noch am selben Abend fest.
The police arrested the man's murderer that same evening.
In real life
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