rush / assault
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rush
A large number of people moving to a place at the same time and often in a hurry because they want something specific. It also describes very high demand for a product or service.
Nach der Ankündigung des neuen iPhones gab es einen riesigen Ansturm auf die Apple-Geschäfte.
After the announcement of the new iPhone, there was a huge rush on the Apple stores.
assault
A sudden and fierce attack, especially in a military context or in sports.
Die Burg hielt dem ersten Ansturm der Belagerer stand.
The castle withstood the first assault by the besiegers.
The word is made up of 'an' and 'Sturm' (storm). Figuratively, it describes a 'storm' of people or demand directed 'at' a place or toward a product.
Der Ansturm auf die Konzertkarten war enorm.
The rush for the concert tickets was enormous.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about commerce, tickets, or fans, it means a large crowd or high demand. In the context of the military, sports, or history, it means an attack.
Zum Winterschlussverkauf erlebten die Geschäfte einen großen Ansturm.
During the winter clearance sale, the stores experienced a big rush.
When 'Ansturm' (rush) describes high demand, the target is given with the preposition 'auf' (on/for) and the accusative.
Es gab einen Ansturm auf die wenigen verfügbaren Plätze im Kurs.
There was a rush for the few available places in the course.
In the context of an attack, 'Ansturm' (assault) is often used with verbs such as 'standhalten' (to withstand, with dative), 'abblocken' (to block), or 'abwehren' (to repel, with accusative).
Die Abwehr konnte dem Ansturm der gegnerischen Mannschaft nicht standhalten.
The defense could not withstand the assault by the opposing team.
attack
Angriff is the general term for a hostile offensive action. Ansturm is more specific and emphasizes a storming advance or charge, especially in the military or in sports. When only the offensive action in general is meant, Angriff is more neutral; when a forceful advance is involved, Ansturm is a better fit.
Die Mannschaft begann nach der Pause einen stürmischen Ansturm auf das gegnerische Tor.
After halftime, the team began a fierce charge at the opposing goal.
Die Mannschaft startete nach der Pause einen neuen Angriff auf das gegnerische Tor.
After halftime, the team launched a new attack on the opposing goal.
