German Conversation · Level 113
45 words
German word
Schlappe
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈʃlapə/
Meaning
- feminine noundefeat
Example
Die Mannschaft erlitt eine Schlappe.
The team suffered a defeat.
More examples
Nach dem überraschenden Ergebnis musste das Team eine Schlappe einstecken.
After the unexpected result, the team had to suffer a defeat.
Core concept
A public setback lands as a deflating blow rather than a routine change in the score.
Common phrases
eine Schlappe erleiden
sustain a defeat
eine Schlappe einstecken
suffer a defeat
Similar words
Niederlage: A clear, formal defeat in a contest or dispute.
Misserfolg: Failure to achieve the expected result.
Pleite: A casually phrased failure that brings financial ruin or derails a plan.
Rückschlag: A temporary setback that slows or interrupts progress.
Definition in German
Schlappe (die) — ein Verlust oder eine Niederlage, häufig mit dem Beiklang von Peinlichkeit oder unerwartetem Scheitern
Word origin
The noun Schlappe belongs to the word family of schlapp, whose sense of weakness underlies its meaning of a demoralizing setback.
Usage tips
- Schlappe is colloquial and expressive, while Niederlage is the more neutral or formal word for defeat.