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