01
prallen
to rebound
To hit a surface or obstacle with force and bounce back or glance off it.
example
Der Ball prallte von der Wand ab und rollte ins Aus.
The ball rebounded off the wall and rolled out of bounds.
prallen
to rebound / bulge
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The subject of the sentence reveals the meaning: a moving object (ball, car) rebounds or crashes into something. A container (bag, suitcase) is 'prall gefüllt' (filled to bursting). The sun beats down on a surface.
EXAMPLE
Das Auto prallte gegen einen Baum.
The car crashed into a tree.
Typical prepositions
In this meaning, 'prallen' (to rebound / crash) is often used with prepositions that indicate a direction or point of contact. 'gegen' (against) or 'auf' (onto) with the accusative are typical.
EXAMPLE
Die Wellen prallten mit voller Wucht gegen die Klippen.
The waves crashed against the cliffs with full force.
Use as an adjective
In this meaning, the participle form 'prall' is often used like an adjective, frequently in the fixed phrase 'prall gefüllt sein' (to be filled to bursting).
EXAMPLE
Die Äste des Apfelbaums waren prall mit Früchten.
The branches of the apple tree were heavy with fruit.
Fixed expression
When talking about intense sunshine, the subject is almost always 'die Sonne' (the sun). This use is often figurative and describes great heat.
EXAMPLE
Wir suchten Schatten, weil die Sonne so stark auf die Terrasse prallte.
We looked for shade because the sun was beating down so strongly on the terrace.
Compare with
prallen vs scheinen
to shine / seem
'scheinen' and 'prallen' can both describe sunlight falling on something. 'scheinen' is the normal word for light: the sun, a lamp, or the moon can shine. In this context, 'prallen' is used almost only with the sun and means that it shines very strongly, hotly, and directly onto a surface. The words can be confused because both occur with the sun. Remember: 'scheinen' is general, while 'prallen' sounds strong and often unpleasantly hot.
prallen
Mittags prallt die Sonne auf den Balkon, deshalb bleibt die Tür zu.
At midday, the sun beats down on the balcony, so the door stays closed.
scheinen
Am Morgen scheint die Sonne durch das Küchenfenster.
In the morning, the sun shines through the kitchen window.
In real life
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