attack / notice
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attack
A violent attack, often with a political or terrorist background, aimed at destruction or killing.
Bei dem Bombenanschlag auf den Bahnhof wurden mehrere Menschen verletzt.
Several people were injured in the bomb attack on the train station.
'Anschlag' comes from the verb 'anschlagen'. The different meanings of the verb, such as pinning a note to the wall or pressing a piano key, explain the different meanings of the noun.
Der Hausmeister hat die neuen Regeln am Eingang angeschlagen.
The caretaker posted the new rules at the entrance.
You can recognize the meaning of 'Anschlag' from the context. If it is about violence and politics, an attack is meant. In the context of information, such as 'schwarzes Brett' (bulletin board), it means a notice. In music or typing, it refers to the touch or striking of keys.
Die Polizei ermittelt wegen des Anschlags auf das Gebäude.
The police are investigating the attack on the building.
In the meaning 'Angriff' (attack), the verb 'verüben' (to carry out / perpetrate) is often used, which is very formal. The combinations 'einen Anschlag planen' (to plan an attack) and 'ein Anschlag auf jemanden/etwas' (an attack on someone/something) are also common.
Die Terrorgruppe hatte den Anschlag seit Monaten geplant.
The terrorist group had planned the attack for months.
When a notice is meant, the word is often found in connection with a place. A very typical combination is 'der Anschlag am schwarzen Brett' (the notice on the bulletin board).
Laut Anschlag am schwarzen Brett fällt die Vorlesung heute aus.
According to the notice on the bulletin board, today's lecture is canceled.
The meaning 'technical stopper' is used almost exclusively in technical language, such as in crafts or mechanical engineering. You will rarely hear this meaning in everyday life.
Der Anschlag verhindert, dass sich das Zahnrad zu weit dreht.
The stop prevents the gear from turning too far.
attack
'der Angriff' and 'der Anschlag' can both refer to a violent act against people or places. 'Angriff' is more general and can be used in war, politics, or also for individual people. 'Anschlag' usually means a particularly serious act of violence, often with a political or terrorist background. It often involves destruction or the intention to kill people. Learners may confuse the words because an 'Anschlag' is also a kind of 'Angriff'. But not every 'Angriff' is an 'Anschlag'.
Die Polizei prüft, ob der Anschlag politisch geplant war.
The police are investigating whether the attack was politically planned.
Nach dem Angriff auf das Dorf mussten viele Menschen fliehen.
After the attack on the village, many people had to flee.