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
attackieren
to attack
To sharply attack or criticize someone or something verbally or argumentatively.
EXAMPLE
Die Opposition attackierte den Minister für seine Entscheidung.
The opposition attacked the minister for his decision.
attackieren
to attack
In sports, to launch an attack in order to gain a lead or put the opponent under pressure.
EXAMPLE
Der Radrennfahrer attackierte am letzten Anstieg.
The cyclist attacked on the final climb.
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
Both verbs can describe a clear public objection. „Kritisieren“ also allows for an objective negative assessment, whereas „attackieren“ emphasizes aggressive confrontation more strongly. Use „kritisieren“ for an assessment and „attackieren“ for a sharp verbal attack.
attackieren
Die Bürgerinitiative attackierte den Bürgermeister in der Debatte wegen seiner Haltung zum Bauplan.
The citizens' initiative attacked the mayor during the debate over his position on the construction plan.
kritisieren
Die Bürgerinitiative kritisierte den Bauplan wegen seiner möglichen Folgen für die Anwohner.
The citizens' initiative criticized the construction plan because of its possible consequences for local residents.
In real life
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