01
abwehren
to fend off
To successfully repel or stop an attack, whether military or physical.
example
Die Burgbesatzung konnte die Angreifer erfolgreich abwehren.
The castle garrison was able to successfully fend off the attackers.
abwehren
to fend off
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Abwehren' is a separable verb. In the main clause, the prefix 'ab-' comes at the end of the sentence. In a subordinate clause, the whole verb comes at the end.
EXAMPLE
Der Torwart wehrt den Ball mit einer Hand ab.
The goalkeeper saves the ball with one hand.
Word structure
The verb consists of the prefix 'ab-' (away) and the verb 'wehren' (to defend oneself). 'Abwehren' (to fend off) therefore means to actively keep something away from oneself or to repel it.
EXAMPLE
Die Soldaten wehrten den nächtlichen Angriff ab.
The soldiers fended off the nighttime attack.
Typical collocations
In a biological or medical context, the subject is often 'das Immunsystem' (the immune system) or 'der Körper' (the body). Typical objects are 'Viren' (viruses), 'Bakterien' (bacteria), 'Krankheitserreger' (pathogens), or 'eine Infektion' (an infection).
EXAMPLE
Ein starkes Immunsystem kann viele Infektionen abwehren.
A strong immune system can fight off many infections.
Abstract objects
You can also 'abwehren' (deflect) abstract and unpleasant things. In this case, the objects are often words like 'ein Vorwurf' (an accusation), 'Kritik' (criticism), 'eine Frage' (a question), or 'ein Verdacht' (a suspicion).
EXAMPLE
Die Politikerin wehrte die kritischen Fragen der Journalisten geschickt ab.
The politician skillfully deflected the journalists' critical questions.
Sports context
In sports, especially in soccer or handball, 'abwehren' (to save) is used for the action of a goalkeeper or defender. Typical objects are 'ein Ball' (a ball), 'ein Schuss' (a shot), or 'ein Elfmeter' (a penalty kick).
EXAMPLE
Der Torhüter konnte den Elfmeter spektakulär abwehren.
The goalkeeper was able to make a spectacular save on the penalty kick.
Compare with
abwehren vs halten
to hold
'halten' and 'abwehren' can seem similar in sports when a goalkeeper stops a ball. 'halten' is often used when the goalkeeper really holds onto the ball or stops it safely. 'abwehren' means that a shot or attack is stopped, often by hitting the ball away or deflecting it to the side. The words can be confused because in both cases a goal is prevented. 'halten' sounds more neutral and direct, while 'abwehren' emphasizes defending against an attack.
abwehren
In der letzten Minute wehrt die Torwartin einen starken Schuss ab.
In the last minute, the goalkeeper saves a powerful shot.
halten
Der Torwart hält den Ball kurz vor der Linie fest.
The goalkeeper holds onto the ball just before the line.
In real life
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