German word

Trumpf

Pronunciation

IPA/trʊmp͡f/

Meaning

  • masculine nounace

Example

Er hat noch einen Trumpf im Ärmel.

He still has an ace up his sleeve.

Illustration for Trumpf (ace)

More examples

Beim Verhandeln zog sie ihren letzten Trumpf.

When negotiating, she played her last trump card.

Core concept

A reserved winning resource that can turn a contest when ordinary options fail.

Common phrases

  • einen Trumpf ausspielen

    play a trump card

  • einen Trumpf im Ärmel haben

    have a trump card up one's sleeve

Similar words

Vorteil: A favorable feature that helps bring about success or a desired result.
Vorsprung: A lead that places someone ahead of others.
Ass: The strongest single card in a card game.

Definition in German

Ein Trumpf ist beim Kartenspiel eine Karte oder Farbe, die andere Karten sticht; übertragen eine entscheidende Stärke oder ein letztes Mittel.

Word origin

German Trumpf comes through French triomphe from Latin triumphus, with the card-game meaning referring to a card or suit that prevails over others.

Usage tips

  • Although often translated as 'ace', Trumpf means a trump card or decisive advantage, not necessarily an ace; the usual German word for ace is Ass.

Other meanings

  • trump cardnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • trumpfentrumpverb
  • Trumpfkartetrump cardnoun

Word lists with this word