defender
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defender
A player in a team sport such as soccer or handball whose main task is to prevent attacks by the opposing team and defend their own goal.
Der Abwehrspieler konnte den Schuss des Stürmers im letzten Moment blocken.
The defender was able to block the striker's shot at the last moment.
The word is transparently composed of 'Abwehr' (defense) and 'Spieler' (player). So it is literally a player who is responsible for defense.
Ein guter Abwehrspieler muss schnell und zweikampfstark sein.
A good defender has to be fast and strong in one-on-one challenges.
The first part of the word, 'die Abwehr' (the defense), is derived from the verb 'abwehren' (to fend off). This verb means to stop or push back an attack or a danger.
Die Mannschaft konnte den Angriff erfolgreich abwehren.
The team was able to fend off the attack successfully.
Typical actions of a defender are described with verbs and phrases such as 'einen Angriff stoppen' (to stop an attack), 'den Gegner blocken' (to block the opponent), 'den Ball erobern' (to win the ball), or 'eine Grätsche machen' (to make a sliding tackle).
Der Abwehrspieler eroberte den Ball und leitete einen Gegenangriff ein.
The defender won the ball and launched a counterattack.
defender / defense attorney
In team sports, Verteidiger and Abwehrspieler can refer to the same player: both are supposed to stop opposing attacks and protect their own goal. Abwehrspieler explicitly names the player’s position in defense, while Verteidiger emphasizes the player’s defensive role. In soccer, the two terms are often interchangeable.
Der Abwehrspieler stoppte den gegnerischen Stürmer kurz vor dem Tor.
The defender stopped the opposing striker just before the goal.
Der Verteidiger stoppte den gegnerischen Stürmer kurz vor dem Tor.
The defender stopped the opposing striker just before the goal.
