to fight against
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to fight against
To make an effort to resist something, especially an inner feeling such as tiredness or fear, an illness, or an adverse circumstance.
Während des langen Vortrags musste er gegen die Müdigkeit ankämpfen.
During the long lecture, he had to fight against tiredness.
'Ankämpfen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'an-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu' (to), the verb stays together.
Er kämpft tapfer gegen seine Krankheit an.
He is bravely fighting against his illness.
This verb is almost always used with the preposition 'gegen' (against) and the accusative. The construction 'ankämpfen gegen etwas' (to fight against something) means to resist an inner or outer force.
Sie musste gegen den starken Wind ankämpfen, um vorwärtszukommen.
She had to fight against the strong wind in order to move forward.
You typically fight against feelings, states, or illnesses. Common combinations are: 'gegen die Müdigkeit ankämpfen' (to fight against tiredness), 'gegen die Tränen ankämpfen' (to fight back tears), or 'gegen eine Erkältung ankämpfen' (to fight off a cold).
Obwohl sie traurig war, kämpfte sie gegen die Tränen an.
Although she was sad, she fought back tears.
to fight
'kämpfen' and 'ankämpfen' can both mean that you defend yourself against something difficult. 'kämpfen' is more general and can be used against problems, for goals, or with difficulties. 'ankämpfen' almost always appears with 'gegen' and emphasizes resistance against something that creates pressure or seems stronger, for example tiredness, fear, pain, or poor conditions. Learners may confuse the words because both express effort. 'ankämpfen gegen' sounds more precise when you want to push back against a negative force.
Am Morgen hat die Lehrerin gegen ihre Müdigkeit angekämpft.
In the morning, the teacher fought against her tiredness.
Kämpft ihr nach dem Gespräch weiter für eure Idee?
After the conversation, are you still fighting for your idea?