01
der Puff
brothel
Colloquial and usually derogatory for a brothel, a house where prostitution takes place.
example
Die Polizei hat bei einer Razzia einen illegalen Puff geschlossen.
During a raid, the police shut down an illegal brothel.
der Puff
brothel / mess / puff
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Colloquial word
The word 'Puff' is used colloquially in almost all of its meanings. In formal or official situations, you should avoid it, since depending on the context it can be perceived as inappropriate or even vulgar.
EXAMPLE
Dein Zimmer ist ein totaler Puff!
Your room is a total mess!
Context clue
The two most common colloquial meanings (brothel and mess) are distinguished by context. If people are talking about places in connection with prostitution, a brothel is meant. If it refers to the condition of a room, it means mess.
EXAMPLE
Die Zeitung berichtete über einen neuen Puff in der Bahnhofsgegend.
The newspaper reported on a new brothel in the station area.
Typical collocations
When 'Puff' means mess, it is often intensified with adjectives or phrases like 'ein einziger' (one big) or 'ein reiner' (a complete). The question 'Was ist das für ein Puff?' (What kind of mess is this?) is also a typical reaction to great chaos.
EXAMPLE
Sein Schreibtisch ist ein einziger Puff.
His desk is one big mess.
Describing a sound
In the meaning of a sound, 'Puff' is often used with the verb 'machen' (to make) or in the phrase 'mit einem Puff' (with a puff). It describes a short, dull, and not very loud sound.
EXAMPLE
Das Kissen machte einen leisen Puff, als es auf den Boden fiel.
The pillow made a soft puff when it fell to the floor.
Context: clothing
When 'Puff' appears in connection with clothing, fashion, or costumes, it refers to a puffed-up part. The compound 'Puffärmel' (puff sleeves) is especially common for sleeves of this kind.
EXAMPLE
Die Bluse mit den Puffärmeln ist wieder modern.
The blouse with puff sleeves is back in style.
Compare with
Puff vs Schlag
blow / stroke
'der Schlag' and 'der Puff' can both describe a sound after a shove, hit, or impact. 'Der Schlag' usually sounds louder, harder, and more sudden. You are more likely to think of a door, a heavy object, or a strong impact. 'Der Puff' is a short, dull sound and is often weaker or softer. Learners may confuse the words because both sounds can be caused by contact. If it is loud and hard, 'Schlag' fits better. If it is short, dull, and rather small, 'Puff' fits better.
Puff
Als der Ball gegen das Sofa fiel, hörte man nur einen leisen Puff.
When the ball fell against the sofa, all you could hear was a soft puff.
Schlag
Heute Nacht weckte mich ein harter Schlag an der Haustür.
Tonight, a hard bang at the front door woke me up.
In real life
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