geschlagen
The English phrase 'slayed' is translated into German as geschlagen.
Which one should you use?
If you want to say someone was conquered or overcome in a more formal sense, you should use Bezwungen. If you want to express that someone was 'slayed' in a modern, informal sense, meaning they were blown away or highly impressed, you would use the phrase Einfach umgehauen.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Germany and Austria, young people often use the phrase Du hast das echt gerockt! to say 'You really rocked it!'
Did you know?
- The word schlagen, the root of geschlagen, is used in the German term for 'whipping' cream Sahne schlagen. This connects the act of slaying to a common kitchen task.
- In modern German slang, instead of using a direct translation of 'slay', people often use the English word 'slay' itself, though it is pronounced with a German accent.
- In historical German texts, the act of slaying a dragon is often described with the verb erschlagen. The prefix er- emphasizes the completion of the act, making it more definitive than the standard geschlagen.
Example conversation
Julian and Julia are discussing a fantasy book.
- JulianHat der Held das Ungeheuer geschlagen?Did the hero slay the monster?
- JuliaJa, Julia, er hat es mit dem Schwert geschlagen.Yes, Julia, he slayed it with the sword.
- JulianDas war ein sehr gewaltiger Kampf.That was a very violent fight.
- JuliaJetzt ist das Dorf endlich sicher.Now the village is finally safe.
