German word

Aufprall

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈaʊ̯fˌpʁal/

Meaning

  • masculine nounimpact

Example

Der Aufprall war sehr stark.

The impact was very strong.

Illustration for Aufprall (impact)

More examples

Ein plötzlicher Aufprall erschütterte das Auto.

A sudden impact shook the car.

Core concept

A moving object stops or changes direction abruptly when it hits another object or a surface.

Common phrases

  • starker Aufprall

    strong impact

  • nach dem Aufprall

    after the impact

  • ein plötzlicher Aufprall

    a sudden impact

Similar words

Zusammenstoß: A collision in which two or more objects or vehicles hit each other.
Stoß: A brief shock caused by a sudden, powerful force.
Aufschlag: The impact produced when an object strikes a surface.
Einschlag: A forceful impact that leaves a dent or mark on a surface.

Definition in German

Das Aufeinandertreffen zweier Dinge mit großer Wucht, also ein starker Stoß oder Zusammenstoß.

Word origin

German derives Aufprall from aufprallen by nominalizing the verb; auf- indicates movement onto or against something, while prallen refers to striking or rebounding.

Usage tips

  • Aufprall refers mainly to a physical event, whereas English impact also commonly describes an effect or influence.

Other meanings

  • collisionnoun

Related words

  • aufprallencollideverb

Word lists with this word