der  Seitensprung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈzaɪtənˌʃpʁʊŋ/

💔 What does "der Seitensprung" mean?

The term der Seitensprung (masculine) almost exclusively refers to an extramarital sexual relationship or an act of infidelity within a committed partnership. It's a common German euphemism for adultery or having an affair/fling.

Literally translated, it means "side jump," which figuratively represents deviating from the "right path" of the partnership.

Rarer, often metaphorical meanings can include:

• A brief venture into a different field or activity (e.g., a musician having a 'Seitensprung' into acting).
• An unexpected deviation or digression from a topic.

🚨 Attention: The primary meaning (infidelity) is by far the most common and the one native speakers immediately associate with the word.

🧐 Grammar: A closer look at "der Seitensprung"

Der Seitensprung is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

1. Er hat seiner Frau den Seitensprung gebeichtet.
   (He confessed the affair to his wife.)
2. Sie vermutet, dass ihr Partner einen Seitensprung hatte.
   (She suspects that her partner had an affair / was unfaithful.)
3. Nach dem Seitensprung war die Beziehung am Ende.
   (After the infidelity, the relationship was over.)
4. Manche Paare überstehen auch mehrere Seitensprünge.
   (Some couples survive even multiple affairs.)

🗣️ How to use "Seitensprung"?

The term der Seitensprung is primarily used in the context of relationships and infidelity. It often carries a negative connotation but can sometimes be used in a minimizing way or as a euphemism to avoid more direct terms like Ehebruch (adultery).

• Context: Personal conversations, gossip, literature, films, psychological texts about relationships.
• Tone: Mostly serious, sometimes discreet, rarely humorous (often dark humor).
• Comparison:
  • Affäre (affair): Often implies a longer-term extramarital relationship than a one-time Seitensprung.
  • Ehebruch (adultery): More formal and legalistic, emphasizes breaking the marriage vows.
  • Untreue (infidelity): More general term, can also include emotional infidelity.
  • Eskapade (escapade): Sounds more like a reckless adventure, often meant less seriously.

The metaphorical use (e.g., a professional 'Seitensprung') is significantly less common and must be understood from the context.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Here are a couple of memory aids for der Seitensprung:

• Article Mnemonic: Think of "der Mann" (the man) who stereotypically might commit the Seitensprung. Or: The 'Sprung' (jump) is masculine -> der Sprung -> der Seitensprung.
• Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone jumping away from their partner to the "Seite" (side) - towards another person. The "Sprung" (jump) to the "Seite" (side) = Seitensprung (infidelity).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Be careful: Words like "Seitenschritt" are rare or have different meanings (e.g., a side step in dancing or sports).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Freund den anderen: "Sag mal, wie schaffst du es, deiner Frau deine ständigen Seitensprünge zu verheimlichen?"

Antwortet der andere: "Ganz einfach! Ich erzähle ihr immer von einem! Dann ist sie so wütend wegen diesem einen, dass sie die anderen gar nicht bemerkt."

--- Translation ---

One friend asks the other: "Tell me, how do you manage to hide your constant affairs from your wife?"

The other replies: "Easy! I always tell her about one! Then she's so furious about that one that she doesn't even notice the others."

✍️ Poem about the "Seitensprung"

Ein Sprung zur Seite, schnell getan,
Verborgen oft vor Ehemann,
Ein kurzer Rausch, ein süßer Schmerz,
Doch oft zerbricht daran ein Herz.
Der Seitensprung, leis' und verstohlen,
Kann Glück zerstören, das befohlen.

--- Translation ---

A jump aside, so quickly done,
Often concealed from husband (or wife),
A brief high, a sweet pain's run,
But often breaks a heart, ends life (of the relationship).
The Seitensprung, quiet and unseen,
Can shatter happiness, once keen.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Sprung, doch nicht im Sport,
Ich führe oft vom Partner fort.
Ich breche Herzen und Vertrauen,
Auf mich kann man nur selten bauen.
Ich komme meistens heimlich an.
Wer bin ich?

--- Translation & Clues ---

I am a jump, but not in sport,
I often lead away from one's consort.
I break both hearts and trust,
In me, you rarely can adjust.
I usually arrive unseen.
What am I?

(Answer: Der Seitensprung)

ℹ️ Other Information

• Word Composition: The word is a compound noun made of "Seite" (side) + "Sprung" (jump).
• Cultural Significance: The topic of Seitensprung is taboo in many cultures while simultaneously being a common motif in literature, film, and media.
• Psychology: Reasons for infidelity (Seitensprünge) are diverse and often discussed in couples therapy (e.g., dissatisfaction, seeking validation, lack of communication).