German

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Etymology

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From Nacken (nape of the neck) +‎ Schlag (blow).

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈnakənˌʃlaːk/, [ˈna.kŋ̍ˌʃlaːk], [-kən-] (standard)
  • IPA(key): /-ˌʃlax/, [-ˌʃlaχ] (northern and central Germany, now chiefly colloquial)
  • Hyphenation: Na‧cken‧schlag
  • Audio:(file)

Noun

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Nackenschlag m (strong, genitive Nackenschlages or Nackenschlags, plural Nackenschläge)

  1. a blow, usually a slap, on the nape of the neck
  2. (figuratively) a shock, blow, something unexpected that causes setback or demoralisation

Declension

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