der  Krawall

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/kʁaˈval/

💥 What does "der Krawall" mean?

Der Krawall (masculine) refers to a loud, often violent disturbance or confrontation involving a large crowd of people. It's a common German term for a riot, uproar, tumult, or disturbance.

Essentially, it describes a situation where public order is disrupted, involving noise, shouting, and potentially destruction. The focus is on the chaotic and noisy nature of the event.

⚠️ Note: The word has a distinctly negative connotation and is often used in the context of demonstrations, riots, or social unrest.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Krawall

The noun "Krawall" is masculine. Therefore, the correct article is der.

Declension

Example Sentences

• Nach dem Fußballspiel kam es zu einem Krawall in der Innenstadt.
  (After the football match, there was a riot in the city center.)
• Die Polizei musste eingreifen, um den Krawall zu beenden.
  (The police had to intervene to stop the riot.)
• Die Anwohner beschwerten sich über den nächtlichen Krawall der Jugendlichen.
  (The residents complained about the nightly uproar caused by the youths.)
• Politische Proteste eskalierten und führten zu heftigen Krawallen.
  (Political protests escalated and led to heavy riots.)

🗣️ How to use "Krawall"?

"Krawall" is used to describe situations involving loud commotion, unrest, and often violence. Typical contexts include:

• Public disturbances: Demonstrations that get out of hand, riots after sports events (Fußballkrawalle - football riots - are a common term).
• Loud disruptions: Extreme noise caused by a group of people (e.g., rowdy parties, street arguments).
• Colloquially: Sometimes used slightly exaggeratedly for children playing loudly or heated discussions, but be aware the core meaning remains negative and tends towards violence.

Distinction from similar words:

• Lärm: (Noise) Refers only to loud sounds, not necessarily unrest or violence.
• Tumult/Aufruhr: (Tumult/Uproar) Similar to Krawall, but perhaps less focused purely on the noise aspect.
• Randale: (Riot/Vandalism) Usually implies property damage and vandalism.

The word Krawall is frequently used in news reports covering social or political events.

🧠 Memory Aids for "Krawall"

Article Mnemonic: Imagine a big, masculine CROW (sounds a bit like Kra-) making a loud noise – a real Krawall. Crows can be quite dominant, like der (masculine article).

Meaning Mnemonic: Think of the sound: "CRAWL-WALL". Imagine angry people crawling over a wall during a protest – that causes a Krawall (riot, uproar).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for "Krawall"

🚨 Caution: Words like Feier (celebration) or Fest (festival) might be loud but have positive connotations and are not synonyms for Krawall.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Polizist den Demonstranten: "Warum machen Sie hier so einen Krawall?"
Antwortet der Demonstrant: "Ich übe nur schon mal für die nächste Fußball-WM!"

Translation:
A police officer asks a protester: "Why are you making such a racket (Krawall) here?"
The protester replies: "I'm just practicing for the next World Cup!"

🖋️ Krawall in Rhyme

Die Straße bebt, die Menge schreit,
Der Krawall bricht aus, weit und breit.
Sirenen heulen, Glas zerbricht,
Die Ordnung weicht im Dämmerlicht.
Ein lautes Chaos, wild und roh,
Wo war hier Frieden? Nirgendwo.

Translation:
The street shakes, the crowd shouts,
The riot (Der Krawall) breaks out, far and wide.
Sirens wail, glass shatters,
Order gives way in the twilight.
A loud chaos, wild and raw,
Where was peace here? Nowhere.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin laut und oft nicht schön,
man kann mich auf den Straßen sehn.
Wenn viele Menschen wütend sind,
entsteh' ich meist geschwind.
Die Polizei mag mich nicht sehr,
was bin ich? Sag es her!

Translation:
I am loud and often not pretty,
You can see me in the streets of the city.
When many people are angry,
I usually arise quickly.
The police don't like me very much,
What am I? Tell me such!

Solution: Der Krawall

💡 More about "Krawall"

Word History / Etymology:

The origin of the word "Krawall" is not entirely clear. Possible sources include:

• From the Dutch "krauwel" (unrest, dispute).
• A connection to the French "charivari" (rough music, noise made outside the house of an unpopular person), signifying noise and unrest.
• An onomatopoeic formation imitating the chaotic sound.

The word appeared more frequently in German in the 19th century, often in the context of social and political unrest.

Compound Words (Zusammensetzungen):

• Krawallmacher: (Rioter, troublemaker) - Person who instigates or participates in a Krawall.
• Krawallbruder: (Colloquial, dated) - Synonym for Krawallmacher.
• Krawalltourist: (Riot tourist) - Person who travels specifically to places to participate in riots.