to combat
Loading your saved state.
to combat
To actively fight against something or someone in order to defeat, eliminate, or control it. Often refers to concrete problems, opponents, or diseases.
Die Feuerwehr versucht, den Waldbrand zu bekämpfen.
The fire department is trying to combat the forest fire.
The prefix 'be-' is inseparable. It remains firmly attached to the verb 'kämpfen' (to fight) in all sentence forms and is not placed at the end of the sentence.
Die Regierung bekämpft die hohe Arbeitslosigkeit mit einem neuen Programm.
The government is combating high unemployment with a new program.
While the base verb 'kämpfen' (to fight) often requires the preposition 'gegen' (against), the prefix 'be-' makes the verb transitive. This means it is used directly with an accusative object: you combat *something*.
Die Ärzte bekämpfen die Infektion mit Antibiotika.
The doctors are combating the infection with antibiotics.
This verb is often used in connection with serious, negative things. Typical combinations are: 'eine Krankheit bekämpfen' (to combat a disease), 'Armut bekämpfen' (to combat poverty), 'Kriminalität bekämpfen' (to combat crime), or 'Korruption bekämpfen' (to combat corruption).
Die Organisation hat es sich zur Aufgabe gemacht, die Armut in der Region zu bekämpfen.
The organization has made it its mission to combat poverty in the region.
The reflexive form 'sich bekämpfen' (to fight each other) means that two or more people or groups fight against each other. The subject of the sentence is plural.
Die beiden Kandidaten bekämpften sich im Wahlkampf mit scharfen Worten.
The two candidates fought each other with harsh words during the election campaign.
to support
'unterstützen' and 'bekämpfen' are clear opposites here. Someone who supports an idea, a plan, or a decision is in favor of it and advocates for it. Someone who 'bekämpft' something actively opposes it and wants to prevent or change it. So 'unterstützen' fits when there is agreement and support, while 'bekämpfen' fits when there is strong opposition. The difference is not just a different opinion, but an opposing stance.
Die Gruppe bekämpft die Entscheidung, weil sie den Park schützen will.
The group is opposing the decision because it wants to protect the park.
Viele Nachbarn unterstützen den Plan für einen neuen Spielplatz.
Many neighbors support the plan for a new playground.