duel
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duel
A formal fight with weapons between two people, carried out according to fixed rules in order to settle an insult to honor or a dispute. This practice was common especially in earlier centuries.
Früher wurden Ehrenstreitigkeiten oft durch ein Duell mit Pistolen entschieden.
In the past, disputes of honor were often settled through a duel with pistols.
duel
In a figurative sense, a direct contest or confrontation between two people, teams, or parties.
Das Fernsehduell der beiden Spitzenkandidaten wurde von Millionen Zuschauern verfolgt.
The televised duel between the two leading candidates was watched by millions of viewers.
The word 'Duell' (duel) is often used with fixed prepositions. People speak of a 'Duell zwischen' (duel between) two parties, a 'Duell mit' (duel with) an opponent, or a 'Duell um' (duel for) victory.
Es war ein spannendes Duell zwischen den beiden besten Spielern der Liga.
It was an exciting duel between the two best players in the league.
In the modern, figurative meaning, 'Duell' (duel) is often combined with adjectives such as 'politisch' (political), 'verbal' (verbal), or 'sportlich' (sporting). The phrase 'sich ein Duell liefern' (to engage in a duel) is also very common.
Die beiden Kandidaten lieferten sich im Fernsehen ein scharfes verbales Duell.
The two candidates engaged in a sharp verbal duel on television.
The original meaning of a fight with weapons can usually be recognized from the context. Words like 'Pistolen' (pistols), 'Säbel' (sabers), 'Ehre' (honor), or references to earlier centuries point to this meaning.
Im 19. Jahrhundert war es für Offiziere üblich, ihre Ehre in einem Duell zu verteidigen.
In the 19th century, it was common for officers to defend their honor in a duel.
encounter / match
Begegnung and Duell can both refer to a sporting contest between two opponents. Begegnung names it neutrally, while Duell emphasizes the direct one-on-one contest and often suggests strong rivalry or confrontation. Begegnung is therefore more suitable for a neutral schedule.
Das spannende Duell zwischen den beiden Rivalen dauert drei Stunden.
The exciting duel between the two rivals lasts three hours.
Die Begegnung zwischen den beiden Spielern beginnt um 15 Uhr.
The match between the two players begins at 3 p.m.
