Big Bang
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Big Bang
In cosmology, the scientific theory about the beginning of the universe from an extremely hot and dense state.
Die Theorie des Urknalls beschreibt die Entstehung von Raum, Zeit und Materie vor etwa 13,8 Milliarden Jahren.
The theory of the Big Bang describes the origin of space, time, and matter about 13.8 billion years ago.
Big Bang
Figuratively, a sudden, explosive, and fundamentally transformative event.
Die Erfindung des Internets war der Urknall für die digitale Revolution.
The invention of the internet was the Big Bang for the digital revolution.
The word is made up of 'Ur-' and 'Knall' (bang). The prefix 'Ur-' means 'original' or 'very first'. So 'Urknall' (Big Bang) is literally the 'original bang' at the beginning of everything.
Die Physik versucht zu erklären, was genau beim Urknall passiert ist.
Physics tries to explain what exactly happened during the Big Bang.
The prefix 'Ur-' is used in German to refer to the origin or oldest form of something. When you see it, it often points to something original or primordial, as in 'Urmensch' (early human), 'Urwald' (primeval forest), or 'Ursache' (cause).
Forscher haben im Urwald eine neue Pflanzenart entdeckt.
Researchers discovered a new plant species in the rainforest.
The meaning can be recognized well from context. In scientific texts about the universe, astronomy, or physics, the cosmological meaning is intended. In texts about society, technology, or personal relationships, the figurative, metaphorical meaning is intended.
Die Entdeckung der kosmischen Hintergrundstrahlung war ein Beweis für die Urknall-Theorie.
The discovery of cosmic background radiation was evidence for the Big Bang theory.
In the figurative meaning, 'Urknall' (Big Bang) is often used with the preposition 'für' (for). It then describes the starting point of a development, for example 'der Urknall für die Digitalisierung' (the Big Bang for digitalization).
Die Trennung von seiner Band war der Urknall für seine erfolgreiche Solokarriere.
The split from his band was the Big Bang for his successful solo career.
starting gun / kickoff
Both words can refer to an event that sets major developments in motion. “Startschuss” is more likely to mean the beginning of a planned or expected action, while “Urknall” emphasizes a sudden, explosive, and fundamentally transformative event. Use “Startschuss” for the beginning and “Urknall” for a major upheaval.
Die überraschende Entdeckung war der Urknall für eine völlig neue Entwicklung.
The surprising discovery was the Big Bang that launched an entirely new development.
Die Eröffnung des neuen Büros war der Startschuss für unser gemeinsames Projekt.
The opening of the new office was the kickoff for our joint project.
