Überraschung
/yːbɐˈʁaʃʊŋ/feminine
The English phrase 'surprise' is translated into German as Überraschung.
Überraschung is a noun used to describe the feeling that something unexpected has happened.
Meaning: feeling that something unexpected has happened (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Überraschung is the noun representing the feeling or the event itself, the verb überraschen is used to describe the actual action of surprising someone.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Überraschung is a feminine noun. When using the indefinite article in the nominative case to say 'a surprise', use eine Überraschung. The plural form of the word is Überraschungen.
How do you pronounce it?
/yːbɐˈʁaʃʊŋ/
Did you know?
- If you are caught off guard by a sudden situation, you might say you were überrumpelt, a term that evokes the image of being 'over-run' by a troop.
- While Überraschung is neutral, a sudden startle that causes a physical jump is called Schreck. Germans distinguish between a mental surprise and a visceral fright.
- The verb überraschen carries a historical weight of 'taking by storm' in a tactical sense, reflecting its military roots.
Examples in context
- Es ist eine Überraschung.It's a surprise.This sentence is useful for stating that something is a surprise using Überraschung.Tatoeba #1765971 by Zaghawa, translation #1567 by CK
- Das war eine Überraschung.It was a surprise.Tatoeba #6402167 by Hannivar, translation #3733470 by CK
- War das eine Überraschung?Was it a surprise?This sentence is useful for asking if something was a surprise using Überraschung.Tatoeba #12184580 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #12130296 by sundown
- Diese Ergebnisse sind wirklich überraschend!These results are truly surprising!
- Krass, das hätte ich nicht erwartet!Wow, I didn't expect that!
- 179 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah gives Felix a gift for his birthday.
- SarahIch habe eine kleine Überraschung für dich.I have a little surprise for you.
- FelixWirklich? Ich liebe Überraschungen!Really? I love surprises!
- SarahDann öffne bitte schnell das Paket.Then please open the package quickly.
- FelixDanke, Sarah, das ist eine tolle Überraschung.Thanks, Sarah, that is a great surprise.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “surprise” translations and entries Überraschung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
