01
attackieren
to attack
To physically attack someone or something.
example
Der Hund hat den Postboten plötzlich attackiert.
The dog suddenly attacked the mail carrier.
attackieren
to attack
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Sentence structure with accusative
'Attackieren' (to attack) is a transitive verb that almost always requires a direct object in the accusative. So you always attack 'jemanden' (someone) or 'etwas' (something).
EXAMPLE
Die Katze attackierte den Vogel.
The cat attacked the bird.
Verbs ending in '-ieren'
Verbs that end in '-ieren' often come from other languages. They are always inseparable and are conjugated regularly (weakly), which makes learning them easier.
EXAMPLE
Er attackierte, sie attackierte, wir haben attackiert.
He attacked, she attacked, we have attacked.
Context clues
The context makes clear what kind of attack is meant. If it is about politics or a debate, it means a verbal attack. In a sports context, it refers to an offensive action.
EXAMPLE
Die Presse attackierte den Politiker wegen seiner unklaren Aussagen.
The press attacked the politician because of his unclear statements.
Typical collocations
For verbal attacks, 'attackieren' (to attack) is often combined with adverbs such as 'scharf' (sharply), 'heftig' (fiercely), or 'persönlich' (personally) to describe the intensity of the criticism.
EXAMPLE
Der Kritiker attackierte den neuen Film scharf.
The critic sharply attacked the new film.
Compare with
attackieren vs kritisieren
to criticize
'kritisieren' and 'attackieren' can both mean attacking someone or something with words. 'kritisieren' is usually more factual: you point out mistakes or problems. 'attackieren' is stronger and more aggressive. It sounds as if someone is fighting fiercely against a person, an idea, or a decision. Learners may confuse the words because strong criticism can feel like an attack. If you want to say neutrally that someone is pointing out mistakes, 'kritisieren' fits. If the words are sharp, combative, or personal, 'attackieren' fits better.
attackieren
Der Politiker attackiert seinen Gegner im Interview sehr scharf.
The politician attacks his opponent very sharply in the interview.
kritisieren
In der Besprechung kritisiert sie den Vorschlag, weil er zu wenig Zeit einplant.
In the meeting, she criticizes the proposal because it allows too little time.
In real life
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