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
abwehren
to save
In sports, to stop a ball, puck, or an opponent's shot and thus prevent a goal or point.
EXAMPLE
Der Torwart konnte den harten Schuss ins Eck gerade noch abwehren.
The goalkeeper was just able to save the hard shot into the corner.
abwehren
to deflect
To reject something unpleasant or unwanted, such as a question, accusation, or offer.
EXAMPLE
Er wehrte jede Frage zu seinem Privatleben bestimmt, aber höflich ab.
He firmly but politely deflected every question about his private life.
abwehren
to fight off
To protect the body or oneself from dangers, diseases, or other negative influences.
EXAMPLE
Ein gesundes Immunsystem kann viele Krankheitserreger abwehren.
A healthy immune system can fight off many pathogens.
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 verteidigen
to defend
Both verbs can be used in the context of an attack. verteidigen focuses on protecting a person, position, or thing, while abwehren refers to pushing back or stopping the attack. Use verteidigen for the side being protected and abwehren for the specific attack.
abwehren
Der Torwart wehrte den gefährlichen Schuss der gegnerischen Mannschaft ab.
The goalkeeper fended off the opposing team's dangerous shot.
verteidigen
Die Spieler verteidigten ihr Tor gegen die Angriffe der gegnerischen Mannschaft.
The players defended their goal against the opposing team's attacks.
In real life
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