zusammenschlagen
to beat up
To violently attack and injure someone with blows, often by several people.
EXAMPLE
Die Gruppe hat den Mann grundlos zusammengeschlagen.
The group beat up the man for no reason.
zusammenschlagen
to beat up / beat together
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Meanings
die Hände über dem Kopf zusammenschlagen
to throw one's hands up in horror
To make a gesture of despair, horror, or surprise by striking or placing one's hands over or on one's head.
EXAMPLE
Als sie das Chaos in der Wohnung sah, schlug sie die Hände über dem Kopf zusammen.
When she saw the chaos in the apartment, she threw her hands up in horror.
zusammenschlagen
to hammer together
To firmly join two or more parts together with blows, for example with a hammer.
EXAMPLE
Der Zimmermann schlug die Holzbalken für den Dachstuhl zusammen.
The carpenter hammered the wooden beams together for the roof truss.
zusammenschlagen
to beat together
To mix ingredients, especially eggs or cream, by stirring or beating vigorously.
EXAMPLE
Für das Omelett müssen Sie zuerst die Eier mit etwas Milch zusammenschlagen.
For the omelet, you first have to beat the eggs together with a little milk.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Zusammenschlagen' (to beat up / beat together) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'zusammen' appears at the end. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the prefix and verb stay together.
EXAMPLE
Die Jungen schlugen den Schneemann aus Spaß zusammen.
The boys knocked the snowman down for fun.
Word structure
The verb consists of the prefix 'zusammen' (together) and the verb 'schlagen' (to hit/beat). The prefix expresses that several things or actions come together: several attackers, two hands, two construction parts, or several ingredients.
EXAMPLE
Für den Teig schlägt man Eier und Zucker zusammen.
For the dough, you beat eggs and sugar together.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning of 'zusammenschlagen' (to beat up / beat together) from the object. If it is a person, violence is meant. With 'Händen' (hands), it is a gesture; with materials, it is crafts/workmanship; and with ingredients, it is cooking.
EXAMPLE
Er schlug die Bretter zu einer Kiste zusammen.
He hammered the boards together into a box.
Fixed expression
The gesture of horror is almost always expressed in the fixed phrase 'die Hände über dem Kopf zusammenschlagen' (to throw one's hands up in horror). The parts 'die Hände' (the hands) and 'über dem Kopf' (over one's head) are fixed components.
EXAMPLE
Als der Chef die schlechten Zahlen sah, schlug er die Hände über dem Kopf zusammen.
When the boss saw the bad figures, he threw his hands up in horror.
Compare with
zusammenschlagen vs verprügeln
to beat up
Verprügeln and zusammenschlagen both refer to a violent attack involving blows. Verprügeln emphasizes repeated hitting, while zusammenschlagen highlights an especially violent attack that causes injuries and often involves several people. However, the involvement of several people is not a fixed requirement.
zusammenschlagen
Mehrere Täter schlugen den Mann zusammen und verletzten ihn schwer.
Several attackers beat the man up and seriously injured him.
verprügeln
Ein Täter verprügelte den Mann mit zahlreichen Faustschlägen.
One attacker beat the man up with numerous punches.
In real life
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