der  Treffer

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈtʁɛfɐ/

🎯 What exactly is a 'Treffer'?

The German noun der Treffer (masculine) has several meanings:

• Hit/Success in aiming: The result of successfully hitting a target (e.g., in shooting, sports). Example: Der Schütze erzielte einen Treffer ins Schwarze. (The shooter scored a bullseye hit.)
• Search result: A result provided by a search engine or database in response to a query. Example: Die Suche nach "Berlin" ergab Millionen von Treffern. (The search for "Berlin" yielded millions of hits/results.)
• Success/Lucky find: Something that turned out very well or was a fortunate discovery. Example: Dieses Lied ist ein echter Treffer! (This song is a real hit!) Der Kauf war ein Volltreffer. (The purchase was a real stroke of luck/great buy.)

There is only the masculine article der for this word.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar of 'der Treffer' in Detail

Der Treffer is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:

Singular

Plural

Example Sentences

1. Der Fußballspieler landete einen Treffer ins Tor.
   (The soccer player scored a goal/hit into the goal.)
2. Wie viele Treffer hat deine Google-Suche ergeben?
   (How many hits/results did your Google search yield?)
3. Diese neue App ist wirklich ein Treffer, sie funktioniert perfekt.
   (This new app is really a hit, it works perfectly.)
4. Mit dem letzten Schuss gelang ihm der entscheidende Treffer.
   (With the last shot, he managed the decisive hit.)

💡 How to Use 'der Treffer'

The usage of der Treffer heavily depends on the context:

• In sports and shooting: Here, it denotes successfully reaching the target. One speaks of a Tor-Treffer (goal hit), a Korb-Treffer (basket hit), or a Treffer ins Schwarze (bullseye hit).
• On the internet and in databases: When a search yields results, each individual result is called a Treffer (search hit/result).
• Figuratively: When something is particularly successful, fitting, or a stroke of luck, it can be called a Treffer or even a Volltreffer (direct hit, bullseye). This can refer to an idea, a purchase, a person, or a remark.

There's little risk of confusion, as the meaning usually becomes clear from the context. It's a very common word in its various contexts.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Treffer'

Article Mnemonic: Think of der Schuss (the shot), der Erfolg (the success), der Algorithmus (the algorithm) – all masculine concepts leading to 'der Treffer'.

Meaning Mnemonic: A Treffer is the result when you treffen (hit) something precisely – whether it's the target, the search result, or hitting the nail on the head.

↔️ Opposites and Synonyms

⚠️ Note: The word "Hit" is often used in German as a synonym for "Treffer" in the sense of success (e.g., a music hit).

😂 A Little Hit to Make You Laugh

Lehrer: "Wer kann mir einen Satz mit 'Treffer' bilden?"
Fritzchen: "Mein Papa hat gestern beim Lotto sechs Treffer gehabt!"
Lehrer: "Das heißt aber 'Sechs Richtige', Fritzchen."
Fritzchen: "Nee, nee, das waren schon Treffer. Er hat mit dem Hammer auf den Lottoschein gehauen!"

Translation:
Teacher: "Who can make a sentence with 'Treffer' (hit)?"
Little Fritz: "My dad had six Treffer in the lottery yesterday!"
Teacher: "But that's called 'Sechs Richtige' (Six Correct Numbers), Fritzchen."
Little Fritz: "No, no, they were definitely Treffer (hits). He hit the lottery ticket with a hammer!"

✍️ A Poem About the 'Treffer'

Ein Schuss, ein Klick, ein schneller Fund,
Der Treffer macht die Runde kund.
Im Netz, im Spiel, im Leben klar,
Ein guter Treffer, wunderbar!
Man sucht, man zielt, mit Hoffnung, Eifer,
Und freut sich über jeden Treffer!

Translation:
A shot, a click, a quick find,
The hit makes the news known round.
Online, in game, in life so clear,
A good hit, wonderful to hear!
One searches, aims, with hope, with zeal,
And rejoices over every hit revealed!

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Ergebnis, mal laut, mal leis,
Mal im Computer, mal Zielscheibenkreis.
Manchmal ein Glücksgriff, ein echter Gewinn,
Suchst du im Netz, bin ich mittendrin.

Was bin ich? (Lösung: der Treffer)

Translation:
I am a result, sometimes loud, sometimes quiet,
Sometimes on a computer, sometimes in a target's sight.
Sometimes a lucky find, a real gain,
If you search the net, I'm in the main frame.

What am I?
(Solution: der Treffer / a hit)

🤓 Interesting Facts

Word Formation: The noun der Treffer is derived from the verb treffen (to hit, to meet). It describes the result of the action of hitting or meeting a target/goal.

Combinations: Common compound words include Volltreffer (a direct hit, bullseye, great success), Suchtreffer (search hit/result), Zufallstreffer (a chance hit, fluke).