01
kopfüber
headfirst
With the head first or pointing downward.
example
Er sprang kopfüber ins kalte Wasser.
He jumped headfirst into the cold water.
kopfüber
headfirst / upside down
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word composition
The word is a compound of 'Kopf' (head) and 'über' (over). So it literally describes a movement in which the head is over the rest of the body or goes first.
EXAMPLE
Das Kind hing kopfüber an der Kletterstange.
The child was hanging upside down from the climbing bar.
Position in the sentence
As an adverb, 'kopfüber' (headfirst/upside down) describes the manner of an action. It therefore usually stands directly after the conjugated verb or near the verb it modifies.
EXAMPLE
Er stürzte sich kopfüber in die Arbeit.
He threw himself headlong into the work.
Typical verbs
In its literal meaning, 'kopfüber' (headfirst/upside down) is often combined with verbs of movement. Typical examples are 'springen' (to jump), 'fallen' (to fall), 'stürzen' (to plunge/fall), or 'hängen' (to hang).
EXAMPLE
Der Akrobat ließ sich kopfüber vom Trapez fallen.
The acrobat let himself fall headfirst from the trapeze.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning from the verb. When 'kopfüber' (headlong) is used with 'sich in etwas stürzen' (to throw oneself into something) or 'sich in etwas begeben' (to enter into something), it usually refers to a rushed, unconsidered action.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sich kopfüber in das neue Projekt gestürzt, ohne die Risiken zu bedenken.
He threw himself headlong into the new project without considering the risks.
Compare with
kopfüber vs hastig
hasty
'hastig' and 'kopfüber' can both describe someone doing something very quickly and without enough calm. 'hastig' fits especially when an action is hurried and therefore often seems imprecise or restless. In this relation, 'kopfüber' means more that someone throws themselves into something without thinking about it for long. It sounds more figurative and stronger. For a quick movement or task, 'hastig' is often more natural; for a rushed decision or a step taken without much thought, 'kopfüber' fits better.
kopfüber
Nach dem ersten Gespräch stürzte sie sich kopfüber in das neue Projekt.
After the first conversation, she threw herself headlong into the new project.
hastig
Vor dem Termin schrieb ich hastig noch eine kurze Nachricht.
Before the appointment, I hastily wrote a quick message.
In real life
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