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
das Nachspiel
postlude
A concluding piece of music played at the end of a concert, church service, or musical work; a postlude.
EXAMPLE
Zum Abschluss des Gottesdienstes spielte der Organist ein beeindruckendes Nachspiel von Bach.
At the end of the church service, the organist played an impressive postlude by Bach.
das Nachspiel
afterpiece
A short, often cheerful play that used to be performed after a longer, serious main play.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Tragödie lockerte ein kurzes, komisches Nachspiel die Stimmung im Theater auf.
After the long tragedy, a short comic afterpiece lightened the mood in the theater.
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
A Folge can be a positive, negative, or neutral result. Nachspiel, on the other hand, specifically refers to unpleasant consequences that only become apparent afterward. Folge is suitable for a neutral statement; when the later consequences are strongly negative, Nachspiel is more precise.
Nachspiel
Der Fehler hatte für die Firma ein unangenehmes Nachspiel.
The mistake had unpleasant consequences for the company.
Folge
Die zusätzliche Arbeit war eine Folge des Fehlers.
The extra work was a consequence of the mistake.
In real life
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