der Zapfenstreich
Translation
tattoo (military), taps, curfew
Examples
Der große Zapfenstreich ist eine Militärzeremonie.
The Grand Tattoo is a military ceremony.
Um zehn Uhr ist Zapfenstreich!
Curfew is at ten o'clock!
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) is at (time) Curfew is at ten o'clock!
Similar Words
Sperrstunde (closing time), Ausgangssperre (curfew)
Etymology
Composed of 'Zapfen' (tap) + 'Streich' (strike). Historically, it was the signal to stop serving beer by striking the tap of the cask.
Memory Tips
Picture a military officer giving a 'strike' ('Streich') on the 'tap' ('Zapfen') of a barrel, meaning 'lights out'.