German word

prügeln

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈpʁyːgl̩n/

Meaning

  • verbbeat up

Example

Der Schläger prügelt den Mann.

The thug beats the man up.

Illustration for prügeln (beat up)

More examples

Die Fans prügelten sich nach dem Spiel.

The fans beat each other up after the game.

Core concept

Fists or a hard object land repeatedly in a rough attack, while two people can also trade blows in a brawl.

Common phrases

  • mit Fäusten prügeln

    punch with one's fists

  • sich gegenseitig prügeln

    beat each other up

  • jemanden blutig prügeln

    beat someone bloody

Similar words

schlagen: Hit someone forcefully with a hand or an object.
hauen: Strike someone with a vigorous, forceful blow.
verprügeln: Beat someone repeatedly or for a long time, causing serious injuries.
ohrfeigen: Strike someone hard once across the face with an open hand.

Definition in German

körperlich mit Fäusten oder Gegenständen auf jemanden losgehen und ihn schlagen; auch: sich mit anderen schlagen

Word origin

Prügeln is formed from the noun Prügel, meaning a cudgel and later also a beating, by adding the verbal ending -n.

Usage tips

  • Prügeln is colloquial and forceful, so the more neutral verb schlagen often fits ordinary acts of hitting better.

Other meanings

  • fightverb
  • pummelverb

Opposites

  • streichelnstrokeverb
  • schonenspareverb

Related words

  • verprügelnbeat upverb
  • Prügelbeatingnoun

Word lists with this word