01
der Krawall
riot
A loud, often violent conflict or disturbance, usually caused by a larger crowd of people.
example
Nach dem Fußballspiel kam es in der Innenstadt zu Krawallen.
After the soccer match, riots broke out in the city center.
der Krawall
riot / racket
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Krawall' (riot/racket) from the context. In public spaces, in connection with demonstrations or soccer matches, it means violent disturbances. In private settings, often with children, it simply means loud noise.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei war im Einsatz, um die Krawalle zu beenden.
The police were deployed to end the riots.
Typical collocations
In connection with unrest, 'Krawall' (riot) is often used in fixed phrases. Common ones are 'es kommt zu Krawallen' (riots break out), 'Krawalle anzetteln' (to incite riots), or 'Krawalle niederschlagen' (to suppress riots).
EXAMPLE
Nach der Urteilsverkündung kam es vor dem Gerichtsgebäude zu Krawallen.
After the verdict was announced, riots broke out in front of the courthouse.
Fixed expression
In the colloquial meaning of noise, the fixed combination 'Krawall machen' (to make a racket) is almost always used.
EXAMPLE
Hört auf, so einen Krawall zu machen, die Nachbarn schlafen schon!
Stop making such a racket; the neighbors are already asleep!
Register
The meaning 'lauter Lärm' (loud noise) clearly belongs to colloquial language. In a formal text, you would generally avoid this formulation.
EXAMPLE
Meine Güte, was ist das für ein Krawall nebenan?
Good grief, what is that racket next door?
Compare with
Krawall vs Lärm
noise
'der Lärm' and 'der Krawall' can both refer to something very loud. 'Lärm' is more neutral and general: it describes disturbing sounds, no matter where they come from. 'Krawall' sounds wilder and stronger. It can mean a loud, chaotic situation with many people, sometimes even involving violence. Colloquially, people also say 'Krawall' when children are very loud and restless. The words can be confused when things are loud. 'Lärm' describes more the noise itself, while 'Krawall' describes more the unsettled or aggressive situation behind it.
Krawall
Nach dem Spiel gab es vor dem Stadion Krawall.
After the game, there was a riot in front of the stadium.
Lärm
Beim Einkaufen halte ich den Lärm in der vollen Straße kaum aus.
When shopping, I can hardly stand the noise on the crowded street.
In real life
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