01
der Ball
ball
A round or oval piece of sports equipment used in many sports and games by throwing, catching, or kicking it.
example
Die Kinder spielen im Park mit einem Ball.
The children are playing with a ball in the park.
der Ball
ball
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Two different words
Although they are spelled the same, 'der Ball' (ball, sports equipment) and 'der Ball' (formal dance) are two words with different origins. The context, such as sports or a formal invitation, always makes clear which meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder kicken den Ball über die Wiese.
The children kick the ball across the meadow.
Typical verbs
In the meaning 'Spielgerät' (piece of sports equipment), Ball is used with typical sports verbs. These include: 'einen Ball werfen' (to throw a ball), 'fangen' (to catch), 'treten' (to kick), 'schießen' (to shoot), or 'prellen' (to bounce).
EXAMPLE
Der Torwart konnte den Ball gerade noch fangen.
The goalkeeper was just able to catch the ball.
Typical combinations
When Ball means a dance event, you go 'auf einen Ball' (to a ball) or 'besucht einen Ball' (attend a ball). It is often part of compound words such as Abschlussball (graduation ball/prom), Opernball (opera ball), or Kostümball (costume ball).
EXAMPLE
Der Abschlussball unserer Schule findet dieses Jahr im Rathaus statt.
Our school's graduation ball is taking place in the town hall this year.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'am Ball bleiben' means that you keep going with something in an engaged way. The preposition 'an' requires the dative here.
EXAMPLE
Das Projekt ist schwierig, aber wir müssen jetzt am Ball bleiben.
The project is difficult, but we have to stick with it now.
Compare with
Ball vs Fußball
soccer / football
'der Fußball' and 'der Ball' can both mean a round piece of sports equipment. 'Ball' is the general word for many sports and games. 'Fußball' is more specific: it is the ball used in a game of soccer. Learners may confuse the words because a soccer ball is always a ball, but not every ball is a soccer ball. If the sport is clear or important, you say 'Fußball'. If it is just about any play ball, 'Ball' fits better.
Ball
Im Park hat ein Kind den Ball über den Zaun geworfen.
In the park, a child threw the ball over the fence.
Fußball
Der Fußball liegt noch auf dem Sportplatz neben dem Tor.
The soccer ball is still on the sports field next to the goal.
In real life
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