der  Eklat

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈeːklaː/

💥 What exactly is an Eklat?

The German word der Eklat (masculine noun) refers to an event that causes a public stir and is often perceived as a scandal, a row, or an embarrassing incident. It represents a sudden, often unexpected outburst of conflict, disapproval, or a social blunder that becomes a topic of conversation.

The word originates from the French éclat, which can mean 'bang', 'splinter', or even 'brilliance'. In German, the meaning has narrowed to the aspect of a sudden, sensational (usually negative) event.

It's always der Eklat; no other articles are correct. 🚨

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Eklat

The noun „Eklat“ is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

Note: The plural „Eklats“ is used rather infrequently but is grammatically correct.

Example Sentences

1. Der Vorfall während der Konferenz führte zu einem handfesten Eklat.
   The incident during the conference led to a real scene/scandal.
2. Man versuchte, den drohenden Eklat zu verhindern.
   They tried to prevent the impending scandal.
3. Die Rede des Politikers sorgte für einen Eklat im Parlament.
   The politician's speech caused an uproar/scandal in parliament.
4. Wegen des Eklats musste der Botschafter abberufen werden.
   Because of the scandal/incident, the ambassador had to be recalled.

🗣️ Everyday Usage

The term Eklat is mostly used in more formal contexts, especially in the media, politics, or when describing social events. It emphasizes the public and sensational nature of an incident.

• Political Debates: An unexpected outburst of anger or an insulting remark can be termed an Eklat.
• Diplomacy: A diplomatic faux pas or an open dispute between representatives of different countries.
• Social Occasions: An embarrassing appearance or a loud argument at a party or event.
• Arts & Culture: A provocative performance or exhibition leading to public protest.

Compared to Skandal (scandal), an Eklat is often more sudden and directly related to a specific incident, whereas a Skandal can also develop over time and often involves moral failings. Affäre (affair) often refers to secret relationships or shady dealings.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

For the Article: Think of a dramatic, DERanged politician causing a public scene - that's der Eklat.

For the Meaning: Eklat sounds a bit like 'eh-CLAP'. Imagine someone giving a loud, inappropriate CLAP during a quiet ceremony, causing a scene – an Eklat.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: Although éclat in French can also mean 'brilliance' or 'splendour', der Eklat in German only has a negative connotation, meaning scandal or affront.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Diplomaten immer einen Regenschirm mit zu Verhandlungen?
Damit sie bei einem drohenden Eklat nicht im Regen stehen! 😄

Translation: Why do diplomats always take an umbrella to negotiations?
So they don't get caught in the rain (left out in the cold) during a potential scandal! (It's a pun on the German idiom "im Regen stehen" - to be left helpless or unsupported).

📜 A Short Poem

Im hohen Saal, bei Wein und Brot,
Ein falsches Wort, ein Affront, ganz rot.
Die Stimmung kippt, die Luft wird schwer,
Ein lauter Streit, ein Eklat, nun ist's hier.
Die Presse schreibt, das Volk es hört,
Ein kleiner Funke, der Großes zerstört.

Translation:
In the grand hall, with wine and bread,
A wrong word spoken, an affront, face red.
The mood shifts, the air grows tight,
A loud dispute, an Eklat, now in sight.
The press reports, the people hear,
A tiny spark that destroys what's dear.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Knall, doch ohne Ton,
Ein Vorfall, der oft bringt Hohn.
In Politik und feiner Welt,
Hab' ich schon manchen Plan zerschellt.
Bin öffentlich und meist nicht schön,
Man will mich lieber übersehen.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I am a bang, but without a sound,
An incident where scorn is found.
In politics and the finer sphere,
I've shattered many plans held dear.
I'm public and not pretty, it's true,
People prefer to look past you.

What am I?
(Solution: Der Eklat)

🌐 Other Information

Word Origin (Etymology):

The word Eklat was borrowed in the 18th century from the French éclat. In French, éclat originally meant 'splinter', 'fragment', then also 'bang', 'sudden noise', and figuratively 'brilliance', 'fame', 'sensation'. The German language primarily adopted the meaning of the sensational, often negative, incident.

Interestingly, while éclatant in French can mean both 'bursting', 'striking' and 'brilliant', 'radiant', this is not the case in German. Eklatant in German means 'blatant', 'glaring', 'obvious', usually in a negative sense (e.g., ein eklatanter Fehler - a blatant error).