hageln
To hail
Use 'hageln' to describe a sudden, overwhelming flood of feedback, criticism, or rapid-fire events.
15秒了解
- Literally means to hail, but used for a barrage of things.
- Commonly used for criticism, insults, or many soccer goals.
- Implies a fast, overwhelming, and often negative sequence of events.
意思
While it literally means the weather event of hailing, Germans use it to describe a sudden, overwhelming flood of things—usually criticism, insults, or even goals in a soccer match.
关键例句
3 / 6Discussing a bad movie review
Nach der Premiere hagelte es schlechte Kritiken.
After the premiere, it hailed bad reviews.
Watching a high-scoring soccer game
In der zweiten Halbzeit hat es Tore gehagelt!
In the second half, it hailed goals!
In a professional meeting about a failed project
Es hagelte Absagen von unseren Geschäftspartnern.
There was a barrage of rejections from our business partners.
文化背景
In a country where soccer is king and weather is a constant topic, 'hageln' bridges both worlds. It captures the German tendency to use dramatic natural imagery to describe social pressure or high-performance situations.
The 'Es' Rule
Always start with 'Es' when using it figuratively. It functions as an impersonal subject, just like talking about the weather.
Too much of a good thing?
While you can use it for goals or likes, 'hageln' usually feels a bit aggressive. Don't use it for things that are gentle, like 'it hailed compliments' (though possible, it sounds intense).
15秒了解
- Literally means to hail, but used for a barrage of things.
- Commonly used for criticism, insults, or many soccer goals.
- Implies a fast, overwhelming, and often negative sequence of events.
What It Means
Hageln is a powerful verb. Literally, it describes ice pellets falling from the sky. Figuratively, it describes a rapid-fire sequence of events. Think of it as a 'barrage' or a 'storm' of something. It usually carries a negative or intense connotation. If it's hageln, things are happening fast and in large quantities.
How To Use It
You use it as an impersonal verb with es. For example, Es hagelt Kritik. This means criticism is raining down like hail. You can also use it for positive things like goals in sports. However, the feeling of being 'pelted' remains. Use it when you want to emphasize the sheer volume of something. It makes your German sound much more descriptive and vivid.
When To Use It
Use it when a situation feels overwhelming. Use it at work if a project goes wrong. Use it during a sports match when one team is dominating. It’s perfect for texting a friend about a bad day. If your boss sent ten angry emails, it's hageln. If you posted a photo and got 100 comments, it's hageln too. It fits anywhere where 'a lot' just isn't strong enough.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for slow, gradual processes. If one person gives you one piece of advice, it’s not hageln. Avoid using it for physical objects you can count easily. For example, don't say it's hageln with apples unless a truck just tipped over. It requires a sense of speed and intensity. Also, keep it for things that feel like they are 'falling' on someone.
Cultural Background
Germans love weather metaphors. The weather in Germany can be unpredictable and harsh. Hail is a feared event for farmers and car owners alike. By using hageln for social situations, Germans express a sense of being defenseless. It reflects a culture that values directness—when it rains, it pours. It shows the intensity of German feedback culture, which can be quite blunt.
Common Variations
You will often see verhageln. This means to ruin something, like a storm ruins a crop. If someone 'verhagelt' your mood, they've spoiled your day. Another variation is Hagelschlag, though that is strictly for weather. Stick to the verb hageln for the most versatile figurative use. It’s a small word that packs a massive punch in conversation.
使用说明
The phrase is neutral and very versatile. Just remember that it always carries a sense of 'impact'—it's not a gentle flow, it's a bombardment.
The 'Es' Rule
Always start with 'Es' when using it figuratively. It functions as an impersonal subject, just like talking about the weather.
Too much of a good thing?
While you can use it for goals or likes, 'hageln' usually feels a bit aggressive. Don't use it for things that are gentle, like 'it hailed compliments' (though possible, it sounds intense).
The Soccer Connection
In German sports commentary, 'Torhagel' (hail of goals) is a very common compound noun for a high-scoring game.
例句
6Nach der Premiere hagelte es schlechte Kritiken.
After the premiere, it hailed bad reviews.
Shows the overwhelming nature of the negative feedback.
In der zweiten Halbzeit hat es Tore gehagelt!
In the second half, it hailed goals!
A positive, high-energy use of the term in sports.
Es hagelte Absagen von unseren Geschäftspartnern.
There was a barrage of rejections from our business partners.
Professional yet descriptive of a difficult situation.
Es hagelt gerade Kommentare unter meinem Post!
My post is getting showered with comments right now!
Modern context for digital interactions.
Es hagelte Beleidigungen während des Streits.
Insults were flying thick and fast during the argument.
Captures the intensity and speed of the conflict.
Heute hagelt es aber wieder Probleme.
It's really raining problems again today.
A relatable way to express a stressful day.
自我测试
Choose the correct noun to complete the figurative expression.
Nach dem Fehler ___ es Kritik vom Chef.
While 'regnete' (rained) is possible, 'hagelte' implies a much harsher and more sudden barrage of criticism.
Which situation best fits the use of 'hageln'?
Es hat ___ gehagelt.
'Absagen' (rejections) is a common abstract noun used with 'hageln' to show a high volume of negative responses.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'hageln'
Used with friends to describe a chaotic day.
Es hagelt heute echt nur Stress!
Standard use in news or sports reporting.
Es hagelte Tore im Stadion.
Used in business to describe market reactions.
Es hagelte Kritik am neuen Kurs.
When to use 'hageln'
Sports
Many goals scored quickly
Work
Barrage of emails or complaints
Social Media
Flood of likes or comments
Arguments
Rapid fire insults
常见问题
10 个问题Yes, but it implies intensity. You can say Es hagelte Komplimente, but it feels like the person was almost overwhelmed by them.
No, you can use it in the present tense too, like Es hagelt Kritik, but it's very common in the past tense to describe a completed event.
Regnen is softer and more continuous. Hageln is harder, faster, and usually more painful or surprising.
No, it's a standard German verb. It is perfectly acceptable in newspapers, news broadcasts, and professional settings.
No, the subject is usually 'es'. You wouldn't say 'The boss hailed criticism.' You say Es hagelte Kritik vom Chef.
Not always, but about 80% of the time. The 'hail of goals' in soccer is the most common positive exception.
Yes, der Hagel. You can say ein Hagel von Beleidigungen (a hail of insults).
Only if they are falling in great numbers and very fast, like Es hagelte Steine (It hailed stones).
It's a regular verb: es hagelt, es hagelte, es hat gehagelt.
No, it is used and understood throughout all German-speaking countries.
相关表达
jemandem die Petersilie verhageln (to spoil someone's fun)
ein Schlagabtausch (a rapid exchange of blows/arguments)
überhäufen (to shower/overwhelm someone with something)
prasseln (to patter/pelt down, like rain)
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