der  Krach

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/kʁax/

💥 What exactly does "der Krach" mean?

The word der Krach (masculine) has several meanings in German, often associated with something loud, disruptive, or negative:

• 🔊 Loud Noise, Racket: This is the most basic meaning. It describes a sudden, loud, often unpleasant sound or general noise.
  Example: Der Krach von der Baustelle nebenan ist unerträglich. (The noise from the construction site next door is unbearable.)
• 😠 Argument, Row, Quarrel: Colloquially, "Krach" is also used for a heated argument or quarrel.
  Example: Sie hatten gestern Abend richtig Krach miteinander. (They had a real row last night.)
• 📉 Crash (often financial): Especially in the context of the stock market or economy, "Krach" refers to a sudden, dramatic slump or crash.
  Example: Der Börsenkrach von 1929 hatte weltweite Folgen. (The stock market crash of 1929 had global consequences.)

⚠️ Although all meanings use the article der, it's important to understand the context to identify the correct meaning.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Der Krach

The noun "Krach" is masculine, hence it takes the article der. It's mostly used in the singular, especially when referring to noise or arguments. The plural ("die Kräche") is rare and usually refers to repeated loud noises or stock market crashes.

💬 Example Sentences

1. (Noise): Mach nicht so einen Krach, die Nachbarn schlafen schon!
   (Don't make such a racket, the neighbours are already asleep!)
2. (Argument): Zwischen den beiden gab es gestern heftigen Krach.
   (There was a fierce argument between the two yesterday.)
3. (Argument): Ich habe Krach mit meinem Bruder bekommen.
   (I got into an argument with my brother.)
4. (Finance): Nach dem großen Krach an der Börse verloren viele ihr Geld.
   (After the big crash on the stock market, many people lost their money.)

🗣️ How is "der Krach" used?

The usage of der Krach depends heavily on the context:

• Krach machen: This means to make noise or a racket. (e.g., Kinder, die Krach machen - children making noise)
• Krach haben/bekommen (mit jemandem): This means to have an argument or fall out with someone. (e.g., Krach mit dem Chef haben - to have an argument with the boss)
• Der große Krach: Often used for a major argument or a stock market crash.

Distinction from similar words:

• Lärm: A more general term for loud noise, often continuous. "Krach" is often more sudden or intense, but can be used synonymously.
• Streit: Specifically refers to a dispute or argument. "Krach" is the more colloquial, often more emotional variant.
• Getöse / Radau: Similar to Krach (noise), but often emphasizing chaotic or wild noise.
• Zusammenbruch / Crash: Technical terms for financial collapses. "Krach" is a more vivid, colloquial term here.

"Krach" is often used in informal situations when talking about noise or arguments. The meaning "financial collapse" is more specific and understood even in more formal contexts (like news reports), although "Zusammenbruch" or "Crash" might be more precise.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Krach"

Mnemonic for the article (der):

Imagine: Der big, noisy Rooster (masculine -> der) is making a huge Krach on the roof. (Rooster helps remember 'der')

Mnemonic for the meanings:

Think of the sound 'CRACK!'. A loud Krach (noise) can lead to Krach (an argument, like a relationship 'cracking'), and sometimes there's a financial Krach (a crash, like the economy 'cracking'). The sound connects all three - something breaking loudly.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Sounding Words:

• krachen: The verb from which "Krach" derives. Means to make a loud noise, to crack, to crash into something. (Die Tür krachte ins Schloss. - The door slammed shut.)
• Krähe: A bird (die Krähe - the crow), sounds similar but is unrelated.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der eine Nachbar den anderen: "Sagen Sie mal, warum machen Ihre Kinder eigentlich immer so einen Krach?" Antwortet der andere: "Na, wenn sie leise sind, höre ich ja nicht, ob sie noch da sind!"

English Translation: One neighbor asks the other: "Tell me, why do your children always make such a racket?" The other replies: "Well, if they were quiet, I wouldn't hear if they were still there!"

✍️ Poem about "Krach"

Der Krach

Mal ist er Lärm, laut und grell,
(Sometimes it's noise, loud and shrill,)
von Hämmern, Autos, auf der Stell'.
(From hammers, cars, standing still.)
Mal ist er Zank, ein böses Wort,
(Sometimes it's strife, a nasty word,)
treibt Harmonie ganz einfach fort.
(Driving harmony away, unheard.)
Und an der Börse, oh wie schach,
(And on the stock exchange, oh so weak,)
nennt man den Absturz auch den Krach.
(The crash is also called 'der Krach', so to speak.)
Ein Wort, drei Sinn', stets unbequem,
(One word, three meanings, always tough,)
ob laut, ob Streit, ob Finanzproblem.
(Whether loud, or row, or financial stuff.)

❓ Little Riddle

German:
Ich kann laut sein wie ein Gewitter,
Beziehungen machen bitter.
An der Börse fürchtet man mich sehr,
bring ich den großen Absturz her.

Was bin ich?

English Translation:
I can be loud like a thunderstorm,
Make relationships bitter, lose their form.
On the stock market, I'm feared a lot,
Bringing the big crash right to the spot.

What am I?

Solution: der Krach

💡 Other Info about "der Krach"

• Etymology: The word "Krach" is onomatopoeic, imitating the sound of cracking or bursting. It has been documented since the 16th century.
• Idioms (Redewendungen):
  • Mit jemandem Krach anfangen/suchen: To deliberately pick a fight with someone.
  • Etwas mit viel Krach ankündigen: To announce something very loudly or conspicuously.
  • Krach schlagen: To make noise, to protest.