derby
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derby
A sporting contest, especially a soccer match, between two rival teams from the same city or region.
Das Derby zwischen Schalke 04 und Borussia Dortmund elektrisiert das ganze Ruhrgebiet.
The derby between Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund electrifies the whole Ruhr region.
The word comes from an English nobleman, the Earl of Derby, who founded a famous horse race. This explains why the word is used both for horse races and for other important sporting contests.
Das wichtigste Pferderennen der Saison ist das Derby in Hamburg.
The most important horse race of the season is the derby in Hamburg.
In the context of team sports such as soccer, ice hockey, or basketball, 'Derby' always refers to a game between two local rivals. The term is often combined with the region or city.
Das Stadtderby zwischen dem HSV und St. Pauli ist immer ausverkauft.
The city derby between HSV and St. Pauli is always sold out.
When horses, betting, or a racetrack are being discussed, 'Derby' means a particularly prestigious horse race that often takes place only once a year.
Nur die besten dreijährigen Pferde dürfen am Derby teilnehmen.
Only the best three-year-old horses are allowed to take part in the derby.
classic
'der Klassiker' and 'das Derby' can both mean a special sports match. A 'Klassiker' is a traditional and very well-known encounter, often between major rivals. However, the teams do not necessarily have to come from the same city or region. A 'Derby' is more specific: it is a match between rival teams from the same city or region. Learners may confuse the words because a derby can often also be a classic match. But not every classic match is a derby.
Für das Derby gegen den Nachbarverein waren alle Karten schnell ausverkauft.
All the tickets for the derby against the neighboring club sold out quickly.
Am Samstag sehen wir den Klassiker zwischen den beiden alten Rivalen.
On Saturday, we will watch the classic match between the two old rivals.