01
die Ohrfeige
slap
A blow with the flat hand to a person's cheek or ear.
example
Nach der beleidigenden Bemerkung gab sie ihm eine schallende Ohrfeige.
After the insulting remark, she gave him a resounding slap.
die Ohrfeige
slap
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Compound word
The word is made up of 'Ohr' (ear) and 'Feige'. 'Feige' comes from an old word for 'to stroke' or 'to hit'. An 'Ohrfeige' is therefore literally a 'blow to the ear'.
EXAMPLE
Er hat für seine freche Antwort eine Ohrfeige bekommen.
He got a slap for his cheeky answer.
Typical collocations
In the literal sense, an 'Ohrfeige' (slap) is usually 'gegeben' (given) or 'bekommen' (received). It is often described with adjectives like 'schallend' (resounding) or 'saftig' (hefty) to emphasize its force.
EXAMPLE
Der Vater gab seinem Sohn eine laute Ohrfeige.
The father gave his son a loud slap.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative sense, 'Ohrfeige' (slap in the face) describes an insult or defeat. People then often speak of a 'politische Ohrfeige' (political slap in the face) or experience an event 'als Ohrfeige' (as a slap in the face).
EXAMPLE
Das Wahlergebnis war eine schmerzhafte Ohrfeige für die Regierungspartei.
The election result was a painful slap in the face for the governing party.
Compare with
Ohrfeige vs Niederlage
defeat
'die Niederlage' and 'die Ohrfeige' can both express that someone loses clearly or is harshly rejected. 'Niederlage' is the normal word for losing in a game, competition, or dispute. 'Ohrfeige' actually means a slap in the face, but it is used figuratively when a defeat or rejection feels especially harsh or hurtful. In factual reports, 'Niederlage' usually fits best. 'Ohrfeige' sounds more figurative and emphasizes the humiliation.
Ohrfeige
Die klare Ablehnung seines Plans war für ihn eine echte Ohrfeige.
The clear rejection of his plan was a real slap in the face for him.
Niederlage
Nach der Niederlage im Finale war die Mannschaft sehr enttäuscht.
After the defeat in the final, the team was very disappointed.
In real life
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