01
knallen
to bang
To cause a loud, short, explosive sound, as with a shot, a whip, or a door falling shut.
example
Der Sektkorken knallte laut an die Decke.
The champagne cork banged loudly against the ceiling.
knallen
to bang / slam
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Transitive vs. intransitive
The verb can be used transitively (with an accusative object) or intransitively (without an object). Intransitively, it means that something makes a noise by itself. Transitively, it means that someone deliberately moves or throws something loudly.
EXAMPLE
Draußen knallte ein Feuerwerkskörper.
Outside, a firecracker banged.
Onomatopoeia
The word 'knallen' (to bang) is onomatopoeic. That means it imitates the sound it describes — a short, loud 'Knall' (bang).
EXAMPLE
Als der Ballon platzte, knallte es sehr laut.
When the balloon burst, it banged very loudly.
Use with direction
When something is thrown or closed, there is often a preposition or adverb that indicates the direction. Typical phrases are 'die Tür zuknallen' (to slam the door shut) or 'etwas auf den Tisch knallen' (to slam something onto the table).
EXAMPLE
Bitte knall die Tür nicht so zu!
Please don't slam the door like that!
Fixed context: sun
In the meaning 'to shine intensely', 'knallen' (to beat down) is used almost exclusively with the subject 'die Sonne' (the sun). It is a very figurative and colloquial description of great heat.
EXAMPLE
Wir sollten in den Schatten gehen, die Sonne knallt richtig.
We should go into the shade; the sun is really beating down.
Register: vulgar language
In the sexual meaning, 'knallen' (to bang) is very colloquial and is often perceived as vulgar or derogatory. You should use this word in this context with great caution.
EXAMPLE
In dem Film wird eine sehr direkte und vulgäre Sprache verwendet.
The film uses very direct and vulgar language.
Compare with
knallen vs scheinen
to shine / seem
'scheinen' and 'knallen' can both describe the sun giving off light. 'scheinen' is neutral and fits in almost all situations with the sun or light. 'knallen' is much stronger and more colloquial: you use it when the sun is shining very hotly and directly. The words can be confused because both are possible with the sun. If you only want to say that it is bright, 'scheinen' fits. If you want to emphasize the intense heat, 'knallen' sounds more natural.
knallen
Im Urlaub knallt die Sonne mittags direkt auf den Strand.
On vacation, the sun beats down directly on the beach at midday.
scheinen
Heute scheint die Sonne schon am Morgen ins Wohnzimmer.
Today the sun is shining into the living room already in the morning.
In real life
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