schlag

Schlag is a German noun with several related meanings. The primary sense is a physical blow or strike delivered by a hand, a tool, or a weapon. It can refer to a single impact or to the act of striking, as in einen Schlag versetzen or einen Schlag auf den Tisch. The term also extends to metaphorical or indirect impacts, for example einen schweren Schlag erleiden.

In music and rhythm, Schlag denotes a beat or stroke that underlies a measure. It also appears in compound terms such as Schlagzeug, which designates the percussion section or drums, and in the plural Schläge for the individual beats within a measure.

In everyday language, Schlag forms common compounds with specific meanings. Schlagsahne refers to whipped cream. Schlagwort means a catchword or slogan. Schlagzeile is a newspaper headline, and Schlagabtausch describes an exchange of blows or a volley of argumentative exchanges.

Schlag is also used as a surname and can appear in place names in German-speaking regions. The word’s origin lies in the Old High German schlag, from the verb schlagen, meaning to strike or beat. Over time, the sense broadened to include musical and metaphorical uses, as well as the various compound terms that are common in modern German.