Knüller

German

Etymology

20th century. Perhaps from knüllen +‎ -er, where the verb would be used in its obsolete sense “to hit, bump” (compare Schlager), hence probably following dialectal usage or Yiddish קנעלן‎ (kneln). Alternatively it may be a blend of Knaller +‎ Brüller.

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /ˈknʏlɐ/
  • Audio(file)

Noun

Knüller m (strong, genitive Knüllers, plural Knüller)

  1. (informal, often journalism) an exciting article, news story, or piece of information; a sensation, bombshell
    Synonyms: Hammer, Knaller, Sensation
    „Das wird ’n Knüller“, rief der Reporter begeistert.
    “This’ll be a bombshell,” the reporter cried excitedly.
  2. (informal) something that is funny, often in an unusual or bizarre way
    Der Typ ist echt ’n Knüller!
    That bloke is a real oddball!
    Das war der Knüller, dass wir uns ausgerechnet in Rio getroffen haben.
    That was the funniest thing that we ran into each other in Rio, out of all places.
  3. (otherwise dated) a blockbuster, hit, highlight, anything exciting
    Der Film war der Knüller!
    The film was sensational!

Declension
Declension of Knüller [masculine, strong]
singular plural
indef. def. noun def. noun
nominative ein der Knüller die Knüller
genitive eines des Knüllers der Knüller
dative einem dem Knüller den Knüllern
accusative einen den Knüller die Knüller

Further reading
  • “Knüller” in Duden online
  • “Knüller” in Digitales Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache
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