das Pech, -e
bad luck
Eine Situation, in der etwas Unglück passiert oder nicht so läuft, wie man es möchte.
The German word "Pech" is a noun that has two main meanings:
- "Tar" or "pitch" — a sticky, black substance usually used in construction or roadworks.
- "Bad luck" — a situation or chain of events resulting in unfortunate or undesirable outcomes.
The word "Pech" in the context of "bad luck" does not derive from other simpler words but stands alone in its form.
Similar words in German include "Unglück" (misfortune), "Schicksalsschlag" (stroke of fate), and "Panne" (mishap for minor accidents).
The differences between these words:
- "Unglück" is a broader term that can encompass more severe instances of misfortune beyond just bad luck.
- "Schicksalsschlag" often implies a significant, sometimes life-changing event, induced by fate.
- "Panne" is typically used for minor accidents or technical malfunctions, like a car breakdown.
"Pech" specifically conveys the sense of trivial or everyday bad luck, whereas the others denote a range of severities and contextual uses.
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Examples
Er hat oft Pech beim Würfelspiel.noun
He often has bad luck when playing dice.
Manchmal bringt ein schwarzer Kater Pech.noun
Sometimes a black cat brings bad luck.
Leider ist Pech manchmal unvermeidlich.noun
Unfortunately, bad luck is sometimes unavoidable.
Du hattest gestern wirklich Pech.noun
You really had bad luck yesterday.
Der Fahrer hatte großes Pech mit dem Reifen.noun
The driver had very bad luck with the tire.
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