der Schock
shock
A sudden, intense emotional jolt triggered by an unexpected, usually negative event.
EXAMPLE
Die Nachricht von dem Unfall war ein großer Schock für die ganze Familie.
The news of the accident was a great shock to the whole family.
der Schock
shock
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Meanings
der Schock
shock
A life-threatening medical condition in which the circulatory system collapses and the organs are no longer supplied with enough oxygen.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem schweren Blutverlust erlitt der Patient einen Schock.
After the severe blood loss, the patient went into shock.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning of 'Schock' (shock) from the context. If it is about feelings, news, or surprises, it refers to the emotional state. In texts about accidents, injuries, or medicine, it refers to the life-threatening physical condition.
EXAMPLE
Als sie ihren Lottogewinn erfuhr, war der Schock groß.
When she found out about her lottery win, the shock was great.
Typical collocations
In an emotional context, there are fixed expressions. You can say 'unter Schock stehen' (to be in shock), 'einen Schock bekommen' (to get a shock), or 'einen Schock verarbeiten' (to process a shock).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Einbruch stand die Familie tagelang unter Schock.
After the break-in, the family was in shock for days.
Sentence structure with 'für'
To express for whom an event is a shock, you use the preposition 'für' (for) followed by a person in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Die Kündigung war ein Schock für das gesamte Team.
The dismissal was a shock for the entire team.
Medical term
The meaning involving circulatory collapse is a medical term. You mainly find it in reports about emergencies, in doctors' offices, or in hospitals.
EXAMPLE
Erste-Hilfe-Kurse lehren, wie man bei einem Schock reagieren muss.
First-aid courses teach how to respond in cases of shock.
Compare with
Schock vs Trauma
trauma
Schock and Trauma can both refer to a strong emotional reaction to a distressing event. Schock mainly refers to the sudden, acute shock, while Trauma also emphasizes long-term psychological effects. Use Schock for the initial moment and Trauma when the distress continues to have an effect.
Schock
Nach dem Unfall stand Maria zunächst unter Schock und konnte kaum sprechen.
After the accident, Maria was initially in shock and could barely speak.
Trauma
Monate nach dem Unfall litt Maria noch unter dem Trauma und hatte große Angst.
Months after the accident, Maria was still suffering from the trauma and was very afraid.
In real life
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