der Seitensprung
affair
A sexual or romantic affair with a person outside one's own committed relationship or marriage.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat ihm seinen Seitensprung nie ganz verziehen.
She never fully forgave him for his affair.
der Seitensprung
affair / side jump
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Meanings
der Seitensprung
side jump
A jump performed to the side, especially in gymnastics or sports.
EXAMPLE
Beim Bodenturnen zeigte sie einen eleganten Seitensprung.
In floor gymnastics, she performed an elegant side jump.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word consists of 'Seite' (side) and 'Sprung' (jump). It describes a jump to the side—either literally in sports or figuratively as straying from the faithful path in a relationship.
EXAMPLE
Er hat seiner Frau den Seitensprung gestanden.
He confessed the affair to his wife.
Context clue
In everyday language, the figurative meaning 'Affäre' (affair) is almost always meant. The literal meaning as a jumping movement occurs almost only in specialized texts about sports, gymnastics, or dance.
EXAMPLE
Die Turnerin zeigte einen perfekten Seitensprung.
The gymnast performed a perfect side jump.
Typical verb
In the meaning 'Affäre' (affair), 'Seitensprung' is most commonly combined with the verb 'machen' (to do/make) or the more formal 'begehen' (to commit).
EXAMPLE
Er hat während seiner Geschäftsreise einen Seitensprung gemacht.
He had an affair during his business trip.
Compare with
Seitensprung vs Affäre
affair
For a relationship outside a committed partnership, both Affäre and Seitensprung may fit. Seitensprung often refers to a single or brief breach of fidelity, while Affäre usually means an ongoing secret relationship. Choose Seitensprung for a one-time slip and Affäre when the relationship lasts longer.
Seitensprung
Er gestand seiner Partnerin einen einmaligen Seitensprung mit einer Kollegin.
He confessed to his partner that he had had a one-time affair with a female colleague.
Affäre
Sie hatte über mehrere Monate eine heimliche Affäre mit einem Kollegen.
She had a secret affair with a colleague for several months.
In real life
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