der Kracher
hit
Colloquial for a big success, a particularly exciting event, or a spectacular product.
EXAMPLE
Das neue Album der Band ist ein absoluter Kracher.
The band's new album is an absolute hit.
der Kracher
hit / firecracker
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Meanings
der Kracher
firecracker
A firework that produces a loud bang; a banger or firecracker.
EXAMPLE
An Silvester zündeten die Kinder auf der Straße lauter Kracher.
On New Year's Eve, the children set off lots of firecrackers in the street.
der Kracher
top match
In sports jargon, a term for a top match; a particularly exciting, high-caliber game.
EXAMPLE
Das Finale am Sonntag wird ein echter Kracher zwischen den beiden besten Mannschaften der Liga.
Sunday's final will be a real top match between the two best teams in the league.
der Kracher
killer joke
Colloquial for a very funny joke that causes loud laughter.
EXAMPLE
Er hat einen Kracher nach dem anderen erzählt und alle haben gelacht.
He told one killer joke after another, and everyone laughed.
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Kracher' comes from the verb 'krachen', which means 'to make a loud bang'. This idea of a loud, sudden impact appears in all its meanings: the loud firework, the smashing success, the loud joke, or the explosive sports event.
EXAMPLE
Das laute Krachen der Feuerwerkskörper erschreckte den Hund.
The loud banging of the fireworks frightened the dog.
Register: colloquial language
With the exception of the meaning 'firework', 'Kracher' is used almost exclusively in informal colloquial language. In formal or written contexts, the word often sounds too casual.
EXAMPLE
Sein letzter Film war ein echter Kracher an den Kinokassen.
His last film was a real box-office hit.
Context clues
Which meaning is intended is almost always clear from context. If it's about New Year's Eve, a firework is meant. In a sports context, it means a top match, and in a conversation about a joke, it refers to a funny punchline.
EXAMPLE
Das Derby zwischen den beiden Stadtrivalen ist der Kracher des Monats.
The derby between the two city rivals is the top match of the month.
Typical combinations
In the meaning of 'success' or 'highlight', 'Kracher' is often intensified with adjectives like 'echt' (real), 'absolut' (absolute), or 'richtig' (real/proper) to emphasize the special quality.
EXAMPLE
Die Party gestern Abend war ein richtiger Kracher!
The party last night was a real hit!
Typical verbs
When talking about fireworks, the typical verbs are 'Kracher zünden' (to set off firecrackers), 'Kracher anzünden' (to light firecrackers), or 'Kracher werfen' (to throw firecrackers).
EXAMPLE
Es ist verboten, außerhalb von Silvester Kracher zu zünden.
It is forbidden to set off firecrackers outside of New Year's Eve.
Compare with
Kracher vs Hammer
hammer
Both words are colloquial expressions for something particularly impressive. „Der Hammer“ more strongly expresses personal astonishment or a sense that something is outrageous, while „der Kracher“ tends to highlight a great success, an exciting event, or an attractive product. Use „Hammer“ for your reaction and „Kracher“ for the public impact.
Kracher
Der neue Film ist beim Publikum ein echter Kracher.
The new film is a real hit with audiences.
Hammer
Für mich ist der neue Film ein echter Hammer.
To me, the new film is absolutely amazing.
In real life
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