große Überraschung
The German phrase for "big surprise" is große Überraschung.
große Überraschung is used to describe an event or a piece of news that is very unexpected.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective große (big/great) and the noun Überraschung (surprise).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because Überraschung is a feminine noun, the adjective groß takes the -e ending in the nominative and accusative singular cases when preceded by an indefinite article (eine große Überraschung). Note that the noun Überraschung is always capitalized in German. In slang, you can use Hammer-Überraschung to express the same idea.
Did you know?
- In German, the word Überraschung is related to the idea of 'surrounding' or 'encircling' someone. Historically, to surprise someone meant to hem them in so they could not escape.
- If you want to describe a surprise that is truly mind-blowing, you might use the word Kracher. While it literally means 'firecracker', it is used colloquially to describe a massive, explosive surprise.
- The concept of surprise is famously linked to the Überraschungsei, the 'surprise egg' chocolate treat that contains a small toy.
Examples in context
- Das war eine große Überraschung.That was a big surprise.This sentence is useful for stating that something was a große Überraschung.Tatoeba #1907124 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1897766 by CK
- Das war eine sehr große Überraschung.That was a very big surprise.This sentence is useful for emphasizing that something was a very big große Überraschung.Tatoeba #8887130 by wolfgangth, translation #3315014 by CK
- Hat dir deine große Überraschung gefallen?Did you like your big surprise?This sentence is useful for asking if someone liked their große Überraschung.Tatoeba #12612725 by Waldelfe, translation #12440170 by CK
- Heute gab es eine große Überraschung bei der Versammlung.Today, there was a big surprise at the meeting.
- Wir hatten gestern eine hammermäßige Überraschungsparty.We had an amazing surprise party yesterday.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are at a party.
- MaximilianDie Party ist eine große Überraschung!The party is a big surprise!
- JuliaIch bin froh, dass es dir gefällt.I am glad that you like it.
- MaximilianWusstest du schon von der großen Überraschung?Did you already know about the big surprise?
- JuliaJa, ich habe alles geplant, Maximilian.Yes, I planned everything, Maximilian.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
