der
Volltreffer
🎯 What Exactly is a Volltreffer?
The German noun der Volltreffer describes two main concepts:
- Literal meaning: A shot or throw that hits the target exactly, especially the center (e.g., in shooting, darts, archery). Often translated as 'bullseye' or 'direct hit'. 🏹
- Figurative meaning: Something that is exceptionally successful, fitting, or well-executed. It can refer to a decision, an idea, a gift, a person, or a situation. A real 'stroke of luck' or 'perfect match'! ✨
It's a strongly positive word expressing enthusiasm and success.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-er → mostly masculine.
1. Caution: many exceptions. 2. almost all -euer nouns are neutral. 3. There are many -er words, we don't list them all.
🧐 Grammar Under the Microscope: Der Volltreffer
"Volltreffer" is a masculine noun. It always takes the article der.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Volltreffer |
| Genitive | des | Volltreffers |
| Dative | dem | Volltreffer |
| Accusative | den | Volltreffer |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Volltreffer |
| Genitive | der | Volltreffer |
| Dative | den | Volltreffern |
| Accusative | die | Volltreffer |
💡 Example Sentences
- Beim Schützenfest landete er einen Volltreffer nach dem anderen. (Literal: At the marksmen's festival, he scored one bullseye after another.)
- Deine Idee für das Projekt war ein echter Volltreffer! (Figurative: Your idea for the project was a real stroke of genius/a perfect hit!)
- Dieses Geschenk ist ein absoluter Volltreffer, genau das habe ich mir gewünscht! (Figurative: This gift is an absolute winner/perfect match, exactly what I wanted!)
- Mit dieser Personalentscheidung hat die Chefin einen Volltreffer gelandet. (Figurative: With this staffing decision, the boss really hit the jackpot/made a perfect choice.)
💬 How to Use "Volltreffer"?
Der Volltreffer is frequently used in the following contexts:
- Sports & Games: When describing precise hits in disciplines like shooting, darts, archery, but also symbolically for goals in football ("ein Volltreffer in den Winkel" - a direct hit into the corner of the goal).
- Everyday Language (Figurative): Very common in a figurative sense to express that something fits perfectly, is very successful, or represents an excellent choice. This could be a comment, an idea, a purchase, a gift, or even the choice of a partner ("Er ist ein echter Volltreffer!" - He's a real catch!).
Difference to "Treffer": A "Treffer" (hit) is more general and just means the target was hit. A "Volltreffer" is the intensification – the best possible, perfect hit or success.
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Article Aid: Imagine Derminator (masculine 'der') hitting a target with full force – a single, powerful shot. That's der Volltreffer.
Meaning Aid: Think of Voll (full, completely) + Treffer (hit). A Volltreffer is a hit that is fully on target – literally a bullseye or figuratively a complete success!
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms of Volltreffer
Synonyms (Similar Words)
- Literal: Treffer ins Schwarze (hit in the black/bullseye), Zentrumstreffer (center hit)
- Figurative: Glücksgriff (lucky find/choice), Hauptgewinn (jackpot, first prize), Erfolg (success), Knüller (smash hit, colloq.), Goldgriff (golden touch/choice), Sechser im Lotto (like winning the lottery, colloq.), Bester Wurf (best throw/shot)
⚠️ Similar Words: The word "Treffer" (hit) is related but less specific. A Treffer isn't necessarily a Volltreffer (bullseye/perfect hit).
😂 A Little Joke
German: Warum spielen Skelette kein Dart?
Weil sie Angst haben, einen Volltreffer im eigenen Knochengerüst zu landen!
English Translation: Why don't skeletons play darts?
Because they're afraid of scoring a bullseye in their own skeleton!
✍️ Poem about the Word
German:
Mit Pfeil und Bogen, fest im Stand,
Das Ziel im Blick, die Sehne spannt.
Ein leises Schwirren durch die Luft,
Ein satter Klang in stiller Gruft.
Genau ins Gold, welch Meisterstück,
Der Volltreffer bringt Glück!
Auch im Leben, klar und rein,
Kann eine gute Tat so sein.
English Translation:
With bow and arrow, standing firm,
The target eyed, the bowstring taut, confirmed.
A gentle whirring through the air,
A solid thud beyond compare.
Right in the gold, a masterstroke,
The bullseye brings good luck, bespoke!
In life as well, so clear and fine,
A good deed can similarly shine.
❓ Riddle Time
German:
Ich bin im Sport das höchste Ziel,
Erreich' ich's, freut man sich sehr viel.
Auch wenn 'ne Idee perfekt erscheint,
Werd' ich als großes Lob gemeint.
Was bin ich?
English Translation:
In sports, I am the highest aim,
Reaching me brings joyful acclaim.
Also when an idea seems just right,
I'm meant as praise, shining bright.
What am I?
Solution: der Volltreffer (the bullseye / perfect hit)
🧩 Further Details
Word Composition:
The word "Volltreffer" is a compound noun, composed of:
- Voll: Adjective/Adverb, meaning 'full', 'complete', 'right in the middle'.
- Treffer: Noun, derived from the verb 'treffen' (to hit).
Together, they form the meaning of a hit that fully and completely reaches its target.
Cultural Note: The term is very common in German and often used enthusiastically to express strong approval or joy about a successful event or a fitting item/idea.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Volltreffer?
The word "Volltreffer" is masculine. The correct article is always der: der Volltreffer.