durchschlagen

Definition & meaning

The verb durchschlagen is a versatile German word with several distinct meanings depending on the context:

1. To punch through / pierce: To break through a solid material or surface by applying force. For example, hitting a wall or punching a hole through paper.
2. To soak through / bleed through: Used when a liquid (like ink or paint) passes through a material, or when a stain becomes visible on the other side of a surface.
3. To succeed / break through (metaphorical): Often used in the context of ideas, trends, or movements that suddenly gain widespread recognition or influence.
4. To have an effect: Used when something (like medicine or a policy) finally shows a visible or tangible impact.
5. To lose weight (colloquial): Sometimes used to describe someone who has become visibly thin or gaunt.

Grammar & Word origin

• Grammar: It is a separable verb (trennbares Verb). In a sentence, the prefix durch- separates from the stem schlagen (e.g., "Der Regen schlägt durch" - The rain soaks through). It is a strong verb, with the past tense being schlug durch and the past participle being durchgeschlagen.
• Word origin: It is composed of the prefix durch- (through) and the verb schlagen (to hit, to beat). The core meaning is literally "to hit through" something.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• durchdringen ↗: To penetrate or permeate.
• durchweichen ↗: To soak through completely.
• erfolgreich sein ↗: To be successful.
• durchbrechen ↗: To break through.

Antonyms:

• abprallen ↗: To bounce off without penetrating.
• scheitern ↗: To fail (in the context of a breakthrough or success).
• standhalten ↗: To withstand or resist.