01
die Schelle
slap
Colloquial for a slap in the face; a quick, flat blow to the face with the hand.
example
Er hat für seine freche Bemerkung eine ordentliche Schelle kassiert.
He got a proper slap for his cheeky remark.
die Schelle
slap / clamp / jingle bell
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Distinguishing meanings
The context makes the meaning clear. Verbs like 'geben' (to give) or 'kriegen' (to get) point to the slap. Technical words like 'Rohr' (pipe) or 'befestigen' (to fasten) indicate the bracket/clamp. Words like 'klingeln' (to jingle/ring) or 'Schlitten' (sleigh) show that the small bell is meant.
EXAMPLE
Er hat ihm eine Schelle gegeben.
He gave him a slap.
Typical verbs
In the colloquial meaning 'Ohrfeige' (slap in the face), the fixed combinations 'jemandem eine Schelle geben' (to give someone a slap) (active) and 'eine Schelle bekommen' or 'kriegen' (to get a slap) (passive) are the most common.
EXAMPLE
Pass auf, was du sagst, sonst kriegst du gleich eine Schelle.
Watch what you say, or you'll get a slap in a second.
Technical context
The meaning 'Halterung' (bracket/clamp) is found almost only in technical contexts, for example in hardware stores, in instructions, or in conversations with tradespeople.
EXAMPLE
Ich brauche noch eine 20-Millimeter-Schelle für das Wasserrohr.
I still need a 20-millimeter clamp for the water pipe.
Typical sound
When the small bell is meant, this is often made clear by verbs of hearing or sound production. Typical verbs are 'klingeln' (to jingle/ring), 'läuten' (to ring), or 'hören' (to hear).
EXAMPLE
Im Winter hörte man oft das Klingeln der Schellen von den Pferdeschlitten.
In winter, you could often hear the jingling of the bells from the horse-drawn sleighs.
Compare with
Schelle vs Schlag
blow / stroke
'der Schlag' and 'die Schelle' can both mean that someone is hit with the hand. 'der Schlag' is general and can refer to many kinds of blows or hits. 'die Schelle' is colloquial and, in this meaning, refers to a slap in the face, that is, a quick hit with the flat hand to the face. So 'Schlag' is more neutral and broader. 'Schelle' only fits in an informal context and not for every kind of hit.
Schelle
Nach der Beleidigung drohte ihm sein Bruder mit einer Schelle.
After the insult, his brother threatened him with a slap.
Schlag
Beim Training übte Max einen kräftigen Schlag gegen den Sandsack.
During training, Max practiced a powerful blow against the punching bag.
In real life
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