01
die Attacke
attack
A sudden, often violent physical attack on someone or something.
example
Der Spaziergänger wurde Opfer einer unerwarteten Attacke.
The walker became the victim of an unexpected attack.
die Attacke
attack
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Correct preposition
An 'Attacke' (attack) is always directed 'auf' (at/on) someone or something. This preposition takes the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Die Löwin startete eine Attacke auf das Gnu.
The lioness launched an attack on the wildebeest.
Typical verbs
Common verbs used with 'Attacke' (attack) are 'eine Attacke starten' (to launch an attack), 'eine Attacke beginnen' (to begin an attack), or 'eine Attacke abwehren' (to fend off an attack). In political contexts, you also hear 'eine Attacke reiten' (to launch/mount an attack).
EXAMPLE
Der Boxer konnte die Attacke seines Gegners erfolgreich abwehren.
The boxer was able to successfully fend off his opponent's attack.
Word family
'Die Attacke' (the attack) belongs to the word family of the verb 'attackieren' (to attack). The sentence 'Er startet eine Attacke' (He launches an attack) has a very similar meaning to 'Er attackiert' (He attacks).
EXAMPLE
Der Hund hat den Postboten attackiert.
The dog attacked the mail carrier.
Medical attacks
In medical contexts, 'Attacke' (attack) is often used as the second part of a compound noun to describe a sudden episode. The best-known examples are 'die Panikattacke' (panic attack) and 'die Asthma-Attacke' (asthma attack).
EXAMPLE
Bei einer Panikattacke kann die Atmung sehr schnell werden.
During a panic attack, breathing can become very fast.
Compare with
Attacke vs Kritik
criticism / review
'die Kritik' and 'die Attacke' can both mean negative words directed at someone or something. The difference is in the intensity. 'Kritik' can be factual and point out specific mistakes. 'Attacke' sounds much harsher: it is a sharp verbal attack and is often personal or aggressive. Learners may confuse the words because very harsh criticism can feel like an attack. When speaking neutrally about feedback, 'Kritik' is better. When you want to emphasize that someone is strongly attacking someone else, 'Attacke' fits.
Attacke
Die persönliche Attacke im Meeting hat alle überrascht.
The personal attack in the meeting surprised everyone.
Kritik
Die Kritik der Lehrerin half mir, den Text zu verbessern.
The teacher's criticism helped me improve the text.
In real life
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