brawl
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brawl
A violent physical confrontation or fight between several people, often chaotic and wild. The word is mostly used colloquially.
Nach dem Fußballspiel kam es vor dem Stadion zu einer wüsten Prügelei.
After the football match, a wild brawl broke out in front of the stadium.
'Prügelei' (brawl) is derived from the verb 'prügeln' (to beat violently). The ending '-ei' often forms nouns from verbs and here describes the act of fighting itself.
Die Polizei musste die Prügelei zwischen den Fangruppen auflösen.
The police had to break up the brawl between the fan groups.
The word 'Prügelei' (brawl) is mainly used in colloquial language. It is not a neutral or formal term for a physical confrontation.
Die beiden Streithähne begannen eine laute Prügelei mitten auf der Straße.
The two hotheads started a loud brawl right in the middle of the street.
Common phrases are 'es kommt zu einer Prügelei' (a brawl breaks out) or 'in eine Prügelei verwickelt sein' (to be involved in a brawl). These expressions describe the beginning of or participation in the fight.
Er wollte nur schlichten und geriet unglücklich in die Prügelei.
He only wanted to mediate and unfortunately got caught up in the brawl.
fight / struggle
'Kampf' and 'Prügelei' can both mean a physical confrontation. 'Kampf' is more neutral and more general. It can refer to sports, war, or a serious physical confrontation. 'Prügelei' usually means a wild brawl between several people and sounds more colloquial. The word is especially fitting for situations on the street, in a pub, or in a schoolyard. Learners may confuse the words because both can involve violence. If the situation is described as chaotic and rather everyday, 'Prügelei' is more natural; if you are speaking more neutrally or generally, 'Kampf' fits better.
Auf dem Schulhof gab es eine Prügelei, und ein Lehrer musste eingreifen.
There was a brawl in the schoolyard, and a teacher had to step in.
Der Kampf zwischen den beiden Boxern dauerte nur drei Runden.
The fight between the two boxers lasted only three rounds.