01
das Nachspiel
aftermath
The unpleasant or negative consequences that follow an event or action.
example
Der laute Streit mit den Nachbarn hatte ein gerichtliches Nachspiel.
The loud argument with the neighbors had legal consequences.
das Nachspiel
aftermath / postlude
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Compound word
The word is made up of 'Nach-' (afterward) and 'Spiel' (play/game). So it literally describes something that takes place after a main event—the 'Spiel' (play/game). This can be a negative consequence, a piece of music, or a play.
EXAMPLE
Die Party war toll, aber das Aufräumen am nächsten Tag war ein anstrengendes Nachspiel.
The party was great, but cleaning up the next day was an exhausting aftermath.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'negative consequence', 'Nachspiel' (aftermath) is often combined with adjectives that evaluate the result. Common phrases are 'ein böses Nachspiel haben' (to have nasty consequences), 'ein gerichtliches Nachspiel' (legal consequences), or 'ein teures Nachspiel' (costly consequences).
EXAMPLE
Seine unüberlegte Äußerung hatte ein unangenehmes Nachspiel für die ganze Abteilung.
His thoughtless remark had an unpleasant aftermath for the whole department.
Context clues
The meanings in the fields of music or theater are technical terms. You can recognize them easily from the context: if 'Orgel' (organ), 'Konzert' (concert), or 'Gottesdienst' (church service) is mentioned, a piece of music is meant. In connection with 'Bühne' (stage) or 'Tragödie' (tragedy), a play is meant.
EXAMPLE
Das Orgel-Nachspiel nach der Trauung war sehr bewegend.
The organ postlude after the wedding ceremony was very moving.
Compare with
Nachspiel vs Folge
consequence / episode
'die Folge' and 'das Nachspiel' can both describe what happens after an event. 'die Folge' is general and neutral: it can be positive, negative, or simply factual. 'das Nachspiel' is usually used when unpleasant problems, trouble, or punishments still come after an event. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with consequences. As a simple guide: any unpleasant later consequence can be a 'Nachspiel', but not every 'Folge' is a 'Nachspiel'.
Nachspiel
Der Streit im Büro hat noch ein Nachspiel, weil die Chefin mit allen sprechen will.
The argument at the office will still have consequences, because the boss wants to speak with everyone.
Folge
Eine Folge des starken Regens war, dass viele Züge später kamen.
One consequence of the heavy rain was that many trains arrived later.
In real life
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