die  Ohrfeige

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈoːɐ̯ˌfaɪ̯ɡə/

👋 What exactly is an 'Ohrfeige'?

The word die Ohrfeige refers to a slap with the flat hand across the face, typically on the cheek or ear. It's an expression of anger, disapproval, or a form of physical punishment (the latter is highly frowned upon socially and legally problematic today).

It is a feminine noun, so the correct article is always 'die'.

🚨 Caution: Physical violence is never a good solution!

Article rules for der, die, and das

📜 Grammar in Detail: die Ohrfeige

The noun 'Ohrfeige' is feminine. Here are the declension tables:

Example Sentences

• Er gab ihm eine saftige Ohrfeige. (He gave him a hefty slap.)
• Nach der Ohrfeige war die Stimmung am Tiefpunkt. (After the slap, the mood hit rock bottom.)
• Man sollte niemals mit Ohrfeigen drohen. (One should never threaten with slaps.)
• Sie erinnerte sich an die Ohrfeigen ihrer Kindheit. (She remembered the slaps from her childhood.)

🗣️ How to use 'Ohrfeige'?

'Die Ohrfeige' is mostly used in the context of arguments, anger, or punishment. It's a direct, often impulsive act of aggression.

• Literal meaning: The physical slap to the face.
  Example: Seine Wut entlud sich in einer Ohrfeige. (His anger discharged in a slap.)
• Figurative meaning (less common): Can also describe a severe setback or humiliation.
  Example: Das Wahlergebnis war eine Ohrfeige für die Regierungspartei. (The election result was a slap in the face for the governing party.)

Compared to synonyms like 'Watsche' (more colloquial, common in Southern Germany/Austria) or 'Backpfeife' (similar, perhaps with a slightly stronger connotation), 'Ohrfeige' is the most neutral and widely used term.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'Ohrfeige'

Article Mnemonic: Imagine She (die) gives a slap near the ear ('Ohr') that feels like being hit by a giant fig ('Feige' sounds a bit like fig, although unrelated). Feminine 'She' helps remember 'die'.

Meaning Mnemonic: 'Ohr' means ear. An 'Ohrfeige' often lands near the ear. 'Feige' sounds a bit like the English word 'fight' or the German verb 'fegen' (to sweep) – imagine a swift, sweeping motion of the hand in a fight.

↔️ Opposites and Similar Words

⚠️ Similar Words

• Feige (die Frucht): The fruit (fig) - unrelated to Ohrfeige.
• feige (adjective): Means 'cowardly' - also unrelated.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, was ist der Unterschied zwischen einer Ohrfeige und einer Kopfnuss?"
Fritzchen: "Bei der Ohrfeige weiß man, von wem sie kommt!"

Translation:
The teacher asks: "Fritzchen, what's the difference between a slap (Ohrfeige) and a noogie (Kopfnuss)?"
Fritzchen: "With a slap, you know who it came from!"

📜 A Short Poem

Die Hand, sie schnellt, ein kurzer Schreck,
die Wange rot, ein kleiner Fleck.
Die Ohrfeige, schnell und hart,
ein Zeichen oft von böser Art.
Doch besser wär' mit Wort und Sinn,
den Streit zu lösen, von Beginn.

Translation:
The hand flies fast, a sudden fright,
The cheek turns red, a little site.
The slap, so quick and hard,
A sign quite often of ill regard.
But better far with word and sense,
To solve the strife, right from commence.

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich treffe meist das Ohr ganz nah,
bin schmerzhaft und geschwind oft da.
Man gibt mich aus Wut oder Zorn,
obwohl ich bin schon lang verlorn'
als Mittel, das man rechtens nennt.
Wer meinen Namen kennt?

Translation:
I usually hit close to the ear,
I'm painful and often quickly here.
I'm given out of rage or scorn,
Though I've long been outworn
As a method considered right.
Who knows my name, day or night?

Solution: die Ohrfeige (the slap)

🧐 More Tidbits

Word Composition: The word 'Ohrfeige' is composed of 'Ohr' (ear) and 'Feige'. The origin of '-feige' is not entirely clear. One theory suggests it comes from Middle High German 'vīc' or Old High German 'fīg', meaning 'to rub' or 'to stroke' (related to 'fegen' - to sweep). Another theory links it to the word 'Feige' (fig), suggesting the red swelling after the slap resembles a ripe fig, but this is less likely. A third possibility is a connection to the verb 'fegen' in the sense of 'to strike quickly'.

Cultural Significance: The 'Ohrfeige' was formerly a common form of chastisement for children or an expression of insult among adults (leading to duels). Today, it is widely regarded in many cultures as an unacceptable form of violence.