01
der Wurf
throw
The action of hurling an object through the air with a quick arm movement.
example
Mit einem gezielten Wurf traf er den Korb.
With a well-aimed throw, he hit the basket.
der Wurf
throw / litter
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Der Wurf' is the noun related to the strong verb 'werfen' (to throw). Many meanings of 'Wurf' can be derived from the basic idea of throwing or bringing forth.
EXAMPLE
Er wirft den Ball sehr weit.
He throws the ball very far.
Context clues
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Wurf' from context. If it is about sports, it refers to the act of throwing. With animals, it refers to the young. In the context of art or projects, it refers to a creation.
EXAMPLE
Der Speer landete nach einem weiten Wurf auf dem Rasen.
After a long throw, the javelin landed on the grass.
Typical collocations
When talking about young animals, 'Wurf' is often combined with the animal species. Typical phrases are 'ein Wurf Kätzchen' (a litter of kittens), 'ein Wurf Welpen' (a litter of puppies), or 'der erste Wurf' (the first litter) of a female dog.
EXAMPLE
Im Zoo gab es einen neuen Wurf bei den Polarwölfen.
At the zoo, there was a new litter among the polar wolves.
Fixed expression
The expression 'ein großer Wurf' is very common. It describes a particularly successful, masterful, or groundbreaking work, such as a book, a film, or a project.
EXAMPLE
Mit diesem innovativen Produkt ist dem Unternehmen ein großer Wurf gelungen.
With this innovative product, the company has achieved a great success.
Compare with
Wurf vs Fall
case / fall
'der Fall' and 'der Wurf' can both have to do with movement. But the difference is important: 'der Fall' describes downward movement, usually caused by gravity. 'der Wurf' describes an active movement in which someone hurls something through the air with their hand. The words can be confused because in both cases something is in motion. But with 'Fall', the movement happens downward; with 'Wurf', there is usually a person who causes the movement.
Wurf
Beim Training war ihr letzter Wurf besonders weit.
During training, her last throw went especially far.
Fall
Nach dem Fall von der Leiter musste Tom zum Arzt.
After the fall from the ladder, Tom had to go to the doctor.
In real life
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